The authorities of Andalusia have announced a new tax benefit for families with members suffering from celiac disease—an autoimmune condition in which the body has a negative reaction to gluten found in wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease, gluten consumption damages the lining of the small intestine and impairs nutrient absorption, hence the need for a strict gluten-free diet.
Starting in 2025, such households will be able to reduce their tax bill by 100 euros when filing their income tax declaration. This measure is part of the updated budget for the autonomous region and expands the list of already available deductions.
In addition to support for families with celiac disease, the region already offers tax relief for those engaged in sports, acquiring pets, or renting housing. Specifically, deductions apply to expenses related to physical activity, veterinary services for new pets, as well as rental payments for young people, seniors, and victims of violence.
It is estimated that the new measure will affect about 30,000 residents of Andalusia with celiac disease who file tax returns. Although the exact cost to the budget has not been specified, experts believe the impact on regional finances will be minimal. Together with other recent changes, the total amount of tax relief will exceed 55 million euros, with the largest portion going to deductions for sports activities.
Interestingly, the announcement of the new benefit came shortly after criticism from Catalan politicians, who accused the Andalusian government of offering excessive tax relief. In response, regional authorities emphasized that supporting the residents of Andalucía does not infringe on the interests of other autonomous communities, and that the measure had been planned in advance and is not connected to political disputes.
Thus, Andalucía continues its policy of reducing the tax burden for certain categories of citizens, focusing on social support and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The new initiative will provide additional assistance to families facing special expenses due to dietary needs.
