HMRC targeting 'two million' married couples in new tax raid

dailyrecord.co.uk:

HMRC is reportedly setting its sights on "two million" married couples in a fresh tax crackdown, with many unaware of the impending threat, according to tax experts.

The two million married couples and civil partners who claim Marriage Allowance as a tax benefit could find themselves in the crosshairs of HMRC.The tax benefit applies when one partner pays basic rate income tax at 20 per cent, while the other earns less than the £12,570 personal allowance and therefore pays no tax.

It allows the lower earner to transfer £1,260 of their personal allowance to their spouse or civil partner.This can result in savings of up to £252 this tax year.

However, pensions campaigner Ros Altmann has issued a warning that couples who have utilised this could be hit with an unexpected income tax bill, reports Birmingham Live."Many may have no idea they need to pay tax at all, especially if they have never been liable before," she cautioned.