HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is proposing to married couples and those in civil partnerships to sign up to a £250 tax break this Valentine’s Day.

More than 1.78 million couples in the UK are already committed to the Marriage Allowance boost but it is estimated more than two million are missing out on up to £250 this year.

If their claim is backdated, they could even receive up to £1,150. This is the last chance for eligible couples to backdate their claim for the 2015/16 tax year as the deadline for doing so is April 5.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Applying for Marriage Allowance is a quick and easy way for married couples and people in a civil partnership to have £250 or more put back in their pockets.

“It’s fantastic to see so many couples have already put a few minutes aside to apply and we hope many more will sign up this Valentine’s Day to take advantage of this tax relief.”

Marriage Allowance lets people earning £12,500 or less transfer up to £1,250 of their Personal Allowance to their husband, wife or civil partner if their income is higher.

This reduces their tax by up to £250 for the 2020/21 tax year.

For more information or to apply, visit www.gov.uk/marriage-allowance.