Argentina Taxes: US Expats Guide 2025

Argentine Tax Regime 2025 Overview

Argentina’s tax landscape has been dramatically reshaped under President Javier Milei’s government. Central banking has been dismantled, the tax authority restructured, and tightened immigration measures introduced to stimulate high-net-worth migration through a new Citizenship by Investment (CBI) scheme.

Milei campaigned on a radical libertarian agenda, pledging to slash the size of the state and simplify taxes. In 2024, Congress passed his omnibus reform, known as “Ley Bases”, which included sweeping tax reforms, privatizations, and deregulation measures. Key outcomes are as follows:

• Restructuring of the tax authority. AFIP (the federal tax agency) was dissolved in late 2024 and replaced by a leaner fiscal body, ARCA, reducing headcount by over 3,000 agents, part of broader efforts to cut public spending. 
• Tax amnesty and easing. The administration extended a tax amnesty aimed at encouraging informal dollar deposits to re-enter the formal banking system, with relaxed penalties and lower fines, to unlock approximately USD 270 billion previously hidden outside the banking system. 
• Streamlining of tax categories and compliance. The tax reforms focused on reducing administrative burdens, consolidating overlapping taxes, and simplifying reporting obligations. The government introduced digital tools, centralized taxpayer accounts, and automatic reporting systems to ease compliance, especially for small businesses and individual taxpayers.

While the administrative structure of Argentina’s tax system has been reformed under Milei, the substance of tax obligations remains largely intact. Core taxes such as income tax, VAT, and wealth tax continue to apply, and Argentina’s framework still operates across federal, provincial, and municipal levels. The government's main focus is on improving compliance, reducing bureaucracy, and attracting foreign capital. Although structural simplifications are ongoing, all residents and foreign nationals, including high-net-worth immigrants, remain subject to the established tax framework defined by national law and enforced by the newly created authority.

Argentina Taxes for US Citizens in 2025 Explained

Argentina's tax system is administered by a new authority, ARCA (Agencia de Recaudación y Control Aduanero). ARCA inherited the core responsibilities of the previous tax authority, including income tax collection, customs regulation, and VAT administration. According to government sources, this restructuring cut over 45% of high-ranking positions and is expected to generate annual savings of ARS 6.4 billion.

U.S. citizens living or working in Argentina must navigate both Argentine and U.S. tax obligations. 

Overall, Argentina's tax system is comprised of federal, provincial, and municipal taxes. The framework remains governed by national laws passed by Congress, interpreted by courts, and enforced by the tax agency. 

The core of Argentina’s taxation framework includes income tax, wealth tax, value-added tax (VAT), social security contributions, customs duties, and local levies. Personal income tax is regulated by the Ley de Impuesto a las Ganancias. Residents are taxed on worldwide income, while non-residents pay tax only on Argentina-sourced income. The Impuesto sobre los Bienes Personales applies to personal assets above a certain value, both domestic and abroad for residents. VAT, governed by Law No. 23.349, is imposed on most goods and services, and collected at multiple stages of the supply chain.

Social security contributions are mandatory for employers, employees, and some self-employed individuals. These are regulated by Laws No. 24.241, 23.660, and 23.661. Due to the lack of a totalization agreement with the U.S., American citizens in Argentina may be required to contribute to both systems.

Provincial governments impose the Gross Revenue Tax on business and professional activity, while municipalities levy local property taxes and service-related fees. These subnational taxes are governed by provincial and municipal codes and can vary by region.

Despite the administrative changes brought by the creation of ARCA, the substance of Argentina’s tax laws remains largely unchanged, and the legal obligations for foreign residents, including U.S. citizens, continue to apply.

Argentina Tax Residency

Tax residency in Argentina is determined primarily through physical presence and immigration status. These rules are now administered by ARCA. The following rules define a “tax residency status” in Argentina. 

• Physical Presence Rule. Any foreigner who spends more than half the year in Argentina may be classified as a tax resident, regardless of visa type.
• Residency by Immigration Status. Holding permanent residency or remaining in Argentina for 12 consecutive months can also lead to resident classification for tax purposes, even without reaching the 183-day mark.
• Temporary Visitors or Workers. Individuals staying under six months on short-term assignments are typically categorized as foreign beneficiaries. They are taxed only on income earned within Argentina, and typically through automatic withholding.
• Non-Residents with Permanent Presence (NRPP). Foreigners with long-term immigration permits who haven't yet exceeded five years in Argentina may fall into a transitional category, subject to local taxation only on Argentina-source income, but under resident tax rules.

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Tax authorities may evaluate factors beyond the length of stay, such as economic ties, property ownership, and intent to remain. In recent administrative interpretations, even short-term visitors have been reclassified as residents if their behavior indicated long-term plans in the country.

When it comes to a corporate tax residency, a company is considered a tax resident in Argentina if it is legally incorporated in the country. This includes domestic corporations and branches of foreign entities established under Argentine law. 

Income Taxes in Argentina

Argentina imposes a progressive income tax on residents' worldwide income, with rates ranging from 5% to 35%. The system features nine brackets (see below), starting at 5% for income up to ARS 1,520,371.67 and reaching 35% for income exceeding ARS 46,181,289.52 annually. 

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In terms of payment structure, income tax is assessed annually, but taxpayers are expected to make five bi-monthly advance payments. Individuals cannot file jointly; each taxpayer must submit their own return, especially when it comes to family members. 

Employment income, business profits, rental income, and most benefits are taxable. However, financial income such as interest from time deposits, dividends, and gains from the sale of shares on the Argentine stock exchange is largely exempt unless the activity constitutes professional trading.

Moreover, residents may deduct a range of expenses, including medical costs, donations, mortgage interest, and retirement contributions, alongside standard allowances like a non-taxable minimum and dependent deductions. Employers act as withholding agents, deducting taxes from employees' paychecks at source.

Ultimately, this framework aims to balance equity and incentive, with a tax structure that rewards investment in the formal economy while maintaining a broad revenue base.

Corporate Tax

Argentina also levies a progressive corporate income tax (CIT) system, with rates applied based on the level of net taxable income. The  brackets are:

• 25% for income up to ARS 101,679,575.26
• 30% for income between ARS 101,679,575.26 and ARS 1,016,795,752.62
• 35% for income exceeding ARS 1,016,795,752.62

This applies to worldwide income earned by resident companies, while non-resident entities are taxed only on Argentine-sourced income. In addition, dividends distributed to shareholders are subject to a withholding tax of 7%, unless an applicable tax treaty provides relief.

Capital Gains Tax in Argentina

Capital gains taxation in Argentina is determined by both the type of asset and the taxpayer’s residency status. For individuals considered Argentine tax residents, most capital gains, such as profits from the sale of shares, bonds, cryptocurrencies, and real estate acquired after January 1, 2018, are subject to a flat 15% tax. However, there are key exemptions. Notably, gains from shares traded on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange (BYMA) or obtained through an initial public offering (IPO) in Argentina are exempt from tax when the seller is an individual and not habitually engaged in trading activity.

For non-residents, capital gains on Argentine-sourced assets may be taxed at a withholding rate of 13.5% on gross proceeds if no cost basis is declared, or 15% on the actual net gain when sufficient documentation is provided. These rates apply to the sale of shares, real estate, and other taxable assets. Some exemptions may also be available for non-residents who trade via regulated exchanges or come from jurisdictions considered “cooperative” for tax purposes under Argentine law.

Real estate sales also fall under capital gains rules. If the property was acquired after January 1, 2018, and is not used as a primary residence, the gain is taxed at 15%. If acquired before that date, a separate real estate transfer tax may apply instead, calculated at 1.5% of the sale price.

For U.S. citizens living in Argentina, these capital gains must also be reported to the IRS regardless of where they occur. While Argentina and the U.S. do not have a tax treaty, foreign taxes paid in Argentina may be credited against U.S. tax liability, helping to avoid double taxation.

Property Tax in Argentina

In Argentina, Impuesto Inmobiliario (property tax) is a provincial tax levied on the fiscal value of land and buildings, and its structure varies by jurisdiction. The tax rate is determined by the legislation of each individual province and must be paid either monthly or bimonthly, depending on the specific regulations of that province. Most provinces have updated their fiscal valuations, resulting in significantly higher property tax bills for many residents and investors. These increases stem from efforts by provincial governments to align outdated cadastral values more closely with real market values after years of under-assessment.

In Buenos Aires Province, one of the largest and most populous regions, the property tax is administered by ARBA (Agencia de Recaudación de Buenos Aires). The tax follows a progressive scheme: rates increase as the fiscal value of the property increases, and they differ depending on whether the land is urban, rural, or vacant. The structure includes both a fixed charge and a variable percentage on the value that exceeds certain thresholds. The government has retained the option to pay the tax in multiple installments across the year or all at once, with discounts available for early payment or enrollment in automatic debit.

Meanwhile, in the City of Buenos Aires (CABA), the tax is merged with the municipal ABL (Alumbrado, Barrido y Limpieza), which covers services like lighting, cleaning, and waste management. CABA residents can view and pay their taxes through the AGIP portal. For 2025, an 8% discount is available for those who pay via direct debit and maintain timely payments throughout the year. 

Below are the key tax property highlights:

• Payment Deadlines:
  
  • In Buenos Aires Province, the first installment of the urban property tax was due on March 11, 2025, while rural property tax began on April 8, 2025.
  • In CABA, the annual discount applies to those who pay the full amount by June 30, 2025, through direct debit. 
• Valuation Adjustments:
  
  • Some provinces increased fiscal values by up to 180% in 2025, especially for properties that were previously under-declared or had not undergone recent cadastral review. This update significantly raised the tax base. 
• Tax Examples:
  
  • A medium-sized home (200 m² lot, 80 m² built) in Mendoza may now pay around ARS 40,000 annually.
  • Larger or fully declared homes can face taxes of ARS 88,000 per year or more.
  • The minimum annual property tax in some areas was set at ARS 30,100, impacting roughly one-third of all recorded plots.

For foreign investors, it is important to note that tax property obligations apply regardless of residency status. Property taxes are enforced uniformly, and failure to pay can result in penalties, surcharges, or complications when selling or transferring ownership.

Crypto Taxes in Argentina

Argentina, one of the most active crypto markets in Latin America, has shifted from a loosely regulated environment to an increasingly formalized tax regime. This transformation comes as the country attempts to capture a share of the estimated $270 billion in undeclared assets held in cash, crypto, and foreign accounts, roughly half of Argentina’s GDP.

The Argentine tax authority considers cryptocurrencies as “intangible assets” and applies existing tax categories accordingly:

• Capital gains tax applies when crypto is sold for fiat or exchanged for another cryptocurrency. Gains realized in Argentine pesos are taxed at 5%, while those in foreign currency are taxed at 15%.
• Wealth tax (Impuesto sobre los Bienes Personales) applies to crypto holdings exceeding ARS 6 million. Rates range from 0.5% to 1.75% for local assets and up to 2.25% for foreign or offshore holdings.
• Income tax may apply if the taxpayer earns income from mining, staking, or frequent trading. In such cases, income is added to the individual’s general tax base and subject to progressive rates from 5% to 35%.
• VAT is currently not levied on crypto transactions.

To bring undeclared digital wealth into the tax net, the Argentine government introduced a crypto tax amnesty program in 2024. The initiative allows individuals to declare up to $100,000 in crypto assets tax-free, with a 5% rate applied to the amount above this threshold. The amnesty is part of a broader asset regularization campaign, which reportedly attracted more than $18 billion in disclosed holdings across various asset classes. 

Although crypto itself is not yet subject to a specific tax law, the Argentine National Securities Commission (CNV) have increased scrutiny on crypto asset reporting, especially after new legislation introduced in 2024.

Argentina’s shift toward crypto taxation represents a broader trend of fiscal tightening and regulatory modernization. By leveraging both tax incentives and compliance obligations, the government aims to turn a once informal sector into a measurable source of revenue. However, success will depend on effective enforcement, international cooperation through frameworks like the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), and the willingness of Argentines to participate in the formal economy.

Despite the push for transparency, enforcement remains a challenge. Many Argentines continue to use cold wallets, decentralized platforms, and foreign exchanges, limiting the government’s ability to monitor holdings and transactions. Analysts note that while formal exchange usage is rising, a significant portion of crypto wealth remains invisible to regulators. 

US Tax Deductions for Americans in Argentina

Navigating dual tax systems can be challenging, and for Americans living in Argentina, the absence of a tax treaty between the two nations only adds to the complexity. While Argentina does not have an agreement with the US to avoid double taxation, US expats can still significantly reduce their tax burden by leveraging IRS provisions, yet many fail to do so correctly. Below are some common tax deductions: 

Key US Tax Breaks

Many expats neglect to claim available US tax deductions and credits that can drastically reduce their tax liability. Among the most beneficial are the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC), and the Foreign Housing Exclusion. For instance, the FEIE allows Americans to exclude up to $130,000 of foreign-earned income (as of 2023) by filing IRS Form 2555, yet failing to meet the eligibility criteria or missing the form altogether is a frequent error.

Foreign Tax Credit

Some expats don’t realize they can offset US taxes by claiming dollar-for-dollar credits for income taxes paid to Argentina, using Form 1116. If you paid $12,000 in Argentine income tax, for example, you might be able to subtract that entire amount from your US tax bill, provided the paperwork is done right.

Foreign Housing Exclusion

Another overlooked benefit is the Foreign Housing Exclusion, which allows expats to deduct qualified housing expenses, but only if they also claim the FEIE. Filing requirements are strict, and missing out on either form can cost taxpayers thousands.

Argentina’s Automatic Deductions

While Argentina does provide tax deductions for job-related expenses and property costs, these are not granted automatically. Expats must actively comply with local tax rules, file returns properly, and maintain thorough documentation. Common deductions might include work travel, transport, professional education, and real estate maintenance, but each must meet specific criteria under Argentine law.

Tax Treaty 

A widespread misconception is that the US and Argentina have a bilateral tax treaty to avoid double taxation. In reality, they do not, meaning US citizens must file with the IRS regardless of their Argentine tax obligations. This makes strategic tax planning all the more crucial.

To avoid penalties or missed opportunities, US expats in Argentina should consult with a cross-border tax professional familiar with both jurisdictions.

Common Tax Mistakes by US Expats in Argentina

U.S. expats in Argentina often underestimate how complex their tax obligations can become. A common mistake is assuming that moving abroad relieves them of U.S. tax filing responsibilities. However, U.S. citizens are required to file annual tax returns with the IRS no matter where they reside, and must report global income. Many overlook the need to file foreign account disclosures, such as FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) and IRS Form 8938, even if those accounts are held in Argentina or elsewhere.

Another frequent error is misunderstanding Argentina’s tax residency rules. Once an expat spends more than 12 months in the country, they are generally considered a tax resident and are taxed on their worldwide income. Many fail to report foreign income, such as freelance work, rental income, or capital gains, thinking that only Argentine-source earnings matter. This misconception can trigger audits and penalties by Argentina’s tax authority. 

There is also confusion surrounding double taxation. Although Argentina and the U.S. do not have a tax treaty, expats often incorrectly assume they are protected from being taxed twice, which can lead to late filings or unpaid balances in one country. Lastly, trying to manage both countries’ reporting requirements without professional help often results in missing deadlines, misfiling forms, or breaching FATCA compliance. In cross-border tax matters, a lack of awareness is one of the biggest liabilities.

At Golden Harbors, we go beyond tax support to provide comprehensive immigration and relocation assistance for U.S. expats in Argentina. Whether you're planning to obtain temporary or permanent residency, navigating visa requirements, or seeking to establish tax residency status, our team offers end-to-end guidance tailored to your goals. We help streamline the application process, ensure compliance with Argentine immigration laws, and integrate your move with strategic tax planning so you can settle confidently and legally while maximizing the benefits of your new life abroad.