MORE than 1.3 million couples across the UK have boosted their finances with the Marriage Allowance, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Around 4.2 million married and civil partner couples are eligible for the free tax break worth up to £220 per year, and since the start of the new tax year in April couples can backdate their allowance and boost their payment up to £432 – so why not start 2017 with a bit of a financial boost?

Applying for Marriage Allowance is quick and easy with the online form, and with customers being able to apply at any stage in the tax year, and still receive the full entitlement, there really is nothing to lose.

Jane Ellison, financial secretary to the Treasury, said: “For the more than four million eligible married and civil partner couples, the Marriage Allowance could be a welcome financial boost. What better time than the new year to claim?”

Ruth Owen, director general of personal tax at HMRC, said: “An extra £432 is a really helpful way to start 2017, especially after Christmas.

If you want to get your finances in order this year, it only takes a few minutes to check if you can get the Marriage Allowance tax break at gov.uk/marriage-allowance.”