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Marriage tax allowance registration opens Marriage tax allowance registration opens
(35 minutes later)
A scheme to offer tax breaks to some married couples and civil partners has opened for registration.A scheme to offer tax breaks to some married couples and civil partners has opened for registration.
The marriage allowance, unveiled by David Cameron in 2013, could reduce a couple's annual tax bill by up to £212.The marriage allowance, unveiled by David Cameron in 2013, could reduce a couple's annual tax bill by up to £212.
It only applies to couples with one basic rate taxpayer and the other earning less than the personal allowance.It only applies to couples with one basic rate taxpayer and the other earning less than the personal allowance.
Chancellor George Osborne said the government was honouring its pledge to recognise marriage in the tax system. David Cameron said marriage should be recognised in the tax system, because families are the "bedrock" of society.
He also said the measure would help families with the cost of living.
Tax breaks for married couples were promised by Mr Cameron when he ran for the leadership of his party in 2005, and it also featured in the Conservatives' 2010 election manifesto.
'Out of touch'
The allowance - which will enable one spouse or civil partner to transfer some of their tax-free personal allowance to the other - will come into effect on 6 April 2015.The allowance - which will enable one spouse or civil partner to transfer some of their tax-free personal allowance to the other - will come into effect on 6 April 2015.
The Conservatives have said stay-at-home parents and people who worked part-time would be the main winners from the move.The Conservatives have said stay-at-home parents and people who worked part-time would be the main winners from the move.
Under the policy, if a spouse or civil partner's income is less than £10,600 - including pensions, savings and investments - they will be able to share up to £1,060 of their personal allowance with their partner, provided the recipient does not earn more than £42,385 a year.Under the policy, if a spouse or civil partner's income is less than £10,600 - including pensions, savings and investments - they will be able to share up to £1,060 of their personal allowance with their partner, provided the recipient does not earn more than £42,385 a year.
Couples born on or after 6 April 1935 can register online to receive their interest to receive the allowance.Couples born on or after 6 April 1935 can register online to receive their interest to receive the allowance.
From April, HM Revenue & Customs will contact those who have registered their interest, and invite them to apply.From April, HM Revenue & Customs will contact those who have registered their interest, and invite them to apply.
Mr Osborne said: "We made a promise to introduce a recognition of marriage into our tax system - and now we're delivering on that promise."
The idea of a marriage tax break has been opposed by the Conservatives' coalition partners, the Liberal Democrats, who say it will penalise unmarried couples.The idea of a marriage tax break has been opposed by the Conservatives' coalition partners, the Liberal Democrats, who say it will penalise unmarried couples.
Labour also opposes the move, accusing the Conservatives of being "out of touch" for thinking it would make a difference and has pledged to reverse it if it wins the election.Labour also opposes the move, accusing the Conservatives of being "out of touch" for thinking it would make a difference and has pledged to reverse it if it wins the election.