Argentina Immediately Implements a New Cryptocurrency Tax

Argentina’s central bank has implemented an instant new levy on bitcoin exchanges. Argentina’s 0.6 percent levy on cryptocurrency transactions applies to exchanges with bank accounts in the country.

According to an official notification published on November 16, Argentina’s authorities have issued a new taxation guideline for cryptocurrency exchanges.

Taxation is instantly effective and is subject to the government’s cheque tax. This is its credit and debt tax. As a consequence, this tax will be collected on cryptocurrency exchange purchases and sells.

Until this proclamation, bitcoin transactions were classified as cash transactions. As a result, they were tax free. They will be taxed at a rate of 0.6 percent under this new rule. However, since 2017, bitcoin trades are subject to capital gains tax.

As stated in the notification, “The exemptions provided in this decree and other similar regulations will not apply to transactions involving the purchase, sale, exchange, intermediation, and/or any other operation involving cryptoassets, cryptocurrencies, digital coins, or similar instruments, as defined by applicable regulations.”

The expense of this new taxes will be borne by users, since exchanges are likely to pass the load on to them. It will impact only cryptocurrency exchanges with an Argentinian bank account.

The new taxation legislation will undoubtedly have an effect on the country’s market, particularly given the public’s enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies. Peer-to-peer systems are somewhat inactive.

Argentina’s central bank president, Miguel Pesce, has signalled that the nation would examine the cryptocurrency market more carefully. He said at a September 2021 meeting that the bank will be “closely monitoring” the cryptocurrency market.

The adoption of a new tax rule is just the first step on what is expected to be a lengthy regulatory journey. The benefit is that the government seems to be open to allowing the crypto market to exist. Volatility looks to be a significant issue. Pesce, on the other hand, seems to be receptive to the concept of allowing payments to be made in cryptocurrency.

However, more fair regulation may entice investors who are afraid to join markets that lack clarity. Argentina is a cryptocurrency hotspot, with a rise in bitcoin purchases after the 2019 stock market fall.

Also Read: US Legislators Offer A Plan To ‘Address’ The Infrastructure Law’s Crypto Reporting Mandate