Government, on the end of the PAIS Tax: “It was a permanent burden for Argentines”

Starting this Monday, dollar operations will have a simplified tax scheme after the elimination of the COUNTRY tax. In this framework, the Government disseminated a reflection in which it considered that the tax, established in 2019 under the status of “emergency”, had become “a permanent burden for Argentines that made access to international goods and services more expensive.”

According to the official statement, the decision, formalized through General Resolution 5617/2024 of ARKreflects “the National Government’s commitment to relieving fiscal pressure on citizens and promoting access to international goods and services.” Purchases made with dollar card and savings They will only pay 30% as an advance of Earnings, the same thing that applies to the acquisition of the official dollar intended for savings.

Among the immediate benefits, the reduction in fees for digital platforms and streaming services stands out, as well as greater accessibility to purchasing foreign currency for savings. This change will also have a positive impact on various economic sectors and general consumption.

“The elimination of the COUNTRY tax is a fundamental step towards the normalization of our economy. This will allow Argentines to access products and services at better prices, will encourage competitiveness and will strengthen sectors such as tourism and foreign trade,” stated the president. Javier Mileilast Friday, during his speech at the Córdoba Stock Exchange.

The measure is part of a broader economic plan aimed at stabilizing the economy, encouraging domestic consumption and reactivating commercial activity. With these actions, the Government seeks to promote a more dynamic and competitive internal market, ensuring direct benefits for Argentine citizens and companies.

Goodbye to the PAIS Tax from today: questions and answers with everything you need to know

Starting today, December 23he COUNTRY Taxwhich recharged purchases and payments in dollars, officially disappears. This measure has a full impact on the shopping abroad, trips and international services.

With the elimination of this tax, many payments, including those from platforms such as Netflix and Amazon will experience a significant reduction.

However, the government maintains a perception of 30% on certain consumptions that will be taken as an advance of Profits or Personal Assets. Learn everything you need to know about these changes and how to take advantage of them for your shopping and trips abroad.

Questions and answers with everything you need to know

What is the COUNTRY Tax?

• The PAIS Tax was a 30% rate applied to purchases of goods and services abroad, both by card and in cash, to discourage demand for dollars.

When is the PAIS Tax eliminated?

• The PAIS Tax stops applying today, December 23, 2024.

What changes does it bring for tourists traveling abroad?

• Tourists will no longer have to pay the additional 30% when using cards abroad, which will reduce their expenses.

How will this impact the cost of the tourist dollar?

• The tourist dollar will decrease by 30%, going from $1,671.20 to $1,357.85.
• However, it will continue to be above the MEP dollar.

What happens with payments on streaming platforms?

• Platforms such as Netflix, Disney, Amazon and Spotify will see a reduction in their prices due to the elimination of the tax.

Is there still any perception in payments?

• Yes, the 30% payment for the advance of Profits or Personal Assets will be maintained.
• This perception can be deducted when making the annual declaration.

How can a traveler take advantage of this measure?

• If you pay your consumption in dollars using foreign currency directly from your bank account, you can avoid the charge of 30% of the COUNTRY Tax.

How should you pay to avoid the card surcharge?

• To avoid the surcharge, deactivate automatic debit on your credit card and pay directly from a dollar account.

Will the tourist dollar continue to be more expensive than the MEP dollar?

• Yes, even if the PAIS Tax is eliminated, the tourist dollar is still more expensive than the MEP dollar, which is quoted around $1,142.20.

Can I request a refund of the receipt of Profits or Personal Assets?

• Yes, if you are not covered by these taxes, you can request a refund of the amount received by the Government at the end of the year.

How much will prices for international services drop?

• A decrease in the cost of international products and services, including travel and online purchases, is expected due to the elimination of the tax.

Will shopping abroad become cheaper immediately?

• Although some prices will begin to drop, there may be a delay in the replacement of products due to the decrease in consumption and the supply of imported goods.

What alternatives exist to avoid surcharges when paying for purchases in dollars?

• Use dollars available in bank accounts or make payments through banks with more favorable exchange rates, such as the MEP dollar.

How will the price of the tourist dollar be adjusted?

• The price of the tourist dollar will be adjusted daily according to the official exchange rate plus a 30% surcharge for Profits or Personal Assets.

What impact will the elimination of the PAIS Tax have on the economy?

• Although some economists foresee a positive impact, the Government will have to compensate for the loss of revenue, which could generate fiscal adjustments.

With the COUNTRY eliminated, is the free dollar still the cheapest option?

• No, the free dollar will be cheaper than the tourist dollar, but it is still a more expensive option than the MEP dollar.

What other services will benefit from this elimination?

• In addition to streaming platforms, tourists and foreign purchases of clothing and electronics will also see a reduction in costs.

Is it advisable to continue using cards to pay abroad?

• Not necessarily. Now there are more convenient alternatives, such as using dollar accounts to avoid surcharges for the PAIS Tax.

How do the prices of imported products vary with the elimination of the tax?

• The elimination of the tax could generate a drop in the prices of imported products, but not immediately or for all items.

What happens with December card summaries?

• Card statements that include the surcharge will no longer apply the PAIS Tax.
• However, consumption made until yesterday will continue with the 30% surcharge.

Will the tax be eliminated for all payments abroad?

• Yes, the PAIS Tax disappears for all payments abroad, except for those services such as ground transportation to neighboring countries.