Argentina -- Cryptocurrency Tax Framework Regulatory Overview

Cryptocurrencies in Argentina are treated as intangible digital assets subject to capital gains tax (CGT), income tax, and personal property tax under the oversight of the Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos (AFIP), but not VAT. Holding crypto is generally untaxed, while profits from sales, income from mining/staking/payments, and year-end holdings trigger taxation.[1][2][3]

Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

Profits from selling, swapping, or spending crypto (e.g., for goods/services) are taxable as capital gains using FIFO method, with no exemption threshold or holding period distinction.[1][2][3][4]

• Rates: 5-15%, depending on declaration timing, currency (ARS vs. foreign), and year (e.g., 5% for pre-March 2024 declarations; 15% in 2025).[1][3][4][6]
• Calculation: Sale proceeds (in ARS at market value) minus cost basis and expenses; losses offset same-year gains and carry forward up to 5 years.[3]
• Crypto-to-crypto trades and DeFi disposals count as taxable events.[1][3][4]

Income Tax on Crypto

Earnings from mining, staking, lending, DeFi yields, or receiving crypto as payment are taxed as ordinary income at progressive rates of 5-35%, based on total annual income brackets and worldwide income for residents.[1][3][4][8]

• Valued at ARS market rate on receipt; treated under Impuesto a las Ganancias (Ley 20.628).[3]

VAT/GST Treatment

Crypto purchases/sales between individuals or on exchanges are not subject to VAT (IVA). VAT may apply if crypto is received as payment for goods/services, valued at market rate.[1][3]

Personal Property Tax

Year-end crypto holdings are subject to Personal Property Tax (Bienes Personales) at 0.25-1.25% based on wealth.[1]

Other Taxes

• International transfers: 5-15% tax.[1]
• February 2024 policy ended taxes on mere crypto ownership, but gains remain taxable above thresholds.[7]

Reporting Requirements

• Individuals: Declare crypto gains/holdings on Ganancias (income/CGT) and Bienes Personales forms; file income tax returns April-June following the fiscal year. Keep full transaction records.[1][2][5]
• Businesses/VASPs: Register with Comisión Nacional de Valores (CNV) per Law 27.739 (2024); comply with AML/CFT (FATF-aligned). Declare under asset regularization (blanqueo, Law 27.743).[5]
• Worldwide income applies to residents; penalties for non-declaration include 10-40% surcharges, interest, and potential criminal prosecution. DAC8 (2026) enables automatic data sharing from platforms like Binance.[2][5]

Crypto-Specific Legislation and Tax Authority References

• AFIP Ruling 2/2022: Classifies crypto as digital assets under Personal Property Tax framework.[1]
• Law of Foundations and Initial Measures for Argentinian Liberty (2024): Treats crypto as intangible property.[1]
• Law 27.739 (2024): VASP registration and AML/CFT rules (CNV oversight).[5]
• Law 27.743: Mandatory crypto declaration for tax/regularization.[5]
• Impuesto a las Ganancias (Ley 20.628): Covers CGT/income.[3]
• Official AFIP site: https://www.afip.gob.ar (general guidance; check for updates).
• CNV site: https://www.cnv.gov.ar (VASP registration).

Tax rules are evolving; consult AFIP/CNV or a tax advisor for personalized compliance, as sources note ongoing changes.[1][4]