Crypto Tax Rate in Argentina: Your 2023 Guide to Capital Gains

As cryptocurrency adoption surges in Argentina, understanding the tax implications of your digital asset investments is crucial. With inflation soaring and economic uncertainty driving interest in alternatives like Bitcoin and stablecoins, the Argentine tax authority (AFIP) has intensified scrutiny on crypto transactions. This guide breaks down Argentina’s crypto capital gains tax rates, calculation methods, and compliance requirements to help you navigate your obligations legally and efficiently.

How Crypto Capital Gains Are Taxed in Argentina

In Argentina, cryptocurrencies are classified as financial assets rather than currency. This means profits from selling crypto are treated as capital gains and fall under the country’s Income Tax Law (Impuesto a las Ganancias). Key principles include:

• Tax applies only to realized gains (when you sell, trade, or spend crypto)
• Losses can offset gains within the same fiscal year
• Tax is calculated in Argentine pesos (ARS) at the exchange rate on the transaction date

Current Crypto Capital Gains Tax Rates (2023)

Argentina uses a progressive tax system based on your total annual taxable income. Crypto gains are added to other income sources (e.g., salary, rental income) to determine your applicable bracket:

• 0%: Up to ARS 1,200,000 annual income
• 5%: ARS 1,200,001 – 1,800,000
• 9%: ARS 1,800,001 – 3,200,000
• 12%: ARS 3,200,001 – 5,400,000
• 15%: ARS 5,400,001 – 8,100,000
• 19%: ARS 8,100,001 – 10,800,000
• 23%: ARS 10,800,001 – 16,200,000
• 27%: ARS 16,200,001 – 21,600,000
• 31%: ARS 21,600,001 – 43,200,000
• 35%: Above ARS 43,200,000

Note: Thresholds adjust annually for inflation. Always verify current brackets with AFIP.

Step-by-Step: Calculating Your Crypto Tax Liability

Follow this formula to determine taxable gains:

1. Determine Cost Basis: Purchase price + transaction fees (in ARS equivalent at acquisition date)
2. Calculate Proceeds: Selling price – transaction fees (in ARS equivalent at sale date)
3. Compute Gain/Loss: Proceeds – Cost Basis
4. Apply Tax Rate: Add net gains to your annual income to find your marginal rate

Example: Bought 0.1 BTC for $1,000 (ARS 800,000) with $10 fee. Sold later for $1,500 (ARS 1,200,000) with $15 fee.
Cost Basis = ARS 800,000 + ARS 8,000 = ARS 808,000
Proceeds = ARS 1,200,000 – ARS 12,000 = ARS 1,188,000
Gain = ARS 1,188,000 – ARS 808,000 = ARS 380,000

Reporting Requirements and Deadlines

Argentine residents must declare worldwide crypto gains annually via:

• Form 572: Annex for foreign assets and income (due June 30)
• Digital VAT Registry: Businesses accepting crypto must register
• Record-Keeping: Maintain logs of all transactions for 10 years including:
  • Date and time
  • Asset type and amount
  • Counterparty wallet addresses
  • ARS value at transaction

Other Crypto Taxes in Argentina

Beyond capital gains, be aware of:

• Personal Assets Tax (Bienes Personales): 0.5%-1.25% on global assets exceeding ARS 6 million (includes crypto holdings as of December 31)
• VAT Exemption: Crypto-to-crypto trades aren’t subject to VAT, but using crypto to buy goods/services may trigger obligations
• Corporate Tax: Companies pay 25%-35% on crypto profits

FAQs: Argentina Crypto Tax Rules

Q: What if I hold crypto without selling?
A: Unrealized gains aren’t taxed, but holdings above ARS 6 million incur Personal Assets Tax.

Q: Are stablecoins like USDT taxable?
A: Yes – all cryptocurrencies follow the same capital gains rules regardless of type.

Q: Can I deduct crypto losses?
A: Yes, but only against capital gains in the same fiscal year (not against salary income).

Q: Is peer-to-peer trading reported?
A: All transactions must be declared, including P2P platforms like LocalBitcoins.

Q: What penalties apply for non-compliance?
A: Fines up to 200% of evaded tax + criminal charges for severe cases.

Q: Does Argentina tax crypto staking rewards?
A: Rewards are treated as income at market value when received and taxed at standard rates.

Always consult a local tax advisor before filing, as regulations evolve rapidly. AFIP has increased blockchain surveillance through systems like “Sistema de Perfilamiento de Riesgo” since 2022, making compliance essential for Argentine crypto investors.