To allay fears about phishing emails, HMRC has confirmed that taxpayers who have registered to claim the marriage allowance will be contacted over a six-week period from 20 April advising them how to activate their claim
HMRC has updated the ‘Genuine HMRC contact and recognising phishing emails’ guidance to inform those who have registered their interest in claiming marriage allowance, which gives a tax break of up to £212 a year, that they will be sending out emails between 20 April and 29 May 2015 inviting them to apply.
Applicants will be asked to use the new GOV.UK Verify service before applying. Those who are unable to use this new service will be given a contact phone number.
HMRC stresses that only those who have registered their interest in claiming Marriage Allowance will receive this email.
You’ll be able to claim Marriage Allowance if all the following apply:
- you’re married or in a civil partnership;
- your annual income is £10,600 or less, plus up to £5,000 of tax-free savings interest;
- your partner’s annual income is between £10,601 and £42,385; and
- you were born on or after 6 April 1935.
To register your interest in Marriage Allowance, click here