Glasses and Contact Lenses are now tax deductible in the Canary Islands
Residents in the Canary Islands may be able to claim money back on the cost of glasses and contact lenses in their annual tax return, unlike in the rest of Spain, where optical expenses are generally not tax deductible.
The Canary Islands now offer a regional allowance that can help reduce your tax bill, or increase the money you receive back, if you meet specific regional rules.
Who Can Claim and What’s Included
Under rules set out by Spain’s Agencia Tributaria, Canary Islands residents can deduct 12% of certain health-related expenses, including:
- Prescription glasses
- Contact lenses
- Other medical devices used to correct physical conditions
This forms part of a wider deduction for healthcare costs such as diagnosis, treatment and dental care.
How Much Can You Save?
There are limits on how much you can claim:
- Up to €500 per year for individual tax returns
- Up to €700 for joint returns
- An extra €100 allowance may apply for over-65s or those with significant disabilities
In some cases, the maximum deduction may be reduced if your income exceeds certain thresholds.
Important Conditions to Know
To qualify for the deduction, you must:
- Be a tax resident in the Canary Islands
- Have valid invoices or receipts for the purchase
- Ensure the items are medically necessary (not cosmetic)
- Pay using traceable methods (not cash in many cases)
The deduction can also apply to expenses for close family members included in your tax return.
A Useful Boost for Households
With the cost of living continuing to rise across the islands, this tax break offers a modest but helpful saving, particularly for families and older residents who rely on regular eye care.
However, experts stress that these deductions are not always applied automatically, so it’s important to check your tax return carefully before submitting it.
For many residents, it’s a reminder that knowing the regional rules could make a noticeable difference to how much you pay, or get back, each year.
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