The Government of Javier Milei is advancing its tax reduction agenda and announced a measure this Tuesday that caused a quick positive reaction among video game fans in Argentina.
Through a general resolution signed by the Revenue Agency of the Argentine Republic (ARCA), the Government eliminated the 30% perception that was applied to purchases made on digital gaming platforms with credit cards in foreign currency.
"'Gaming' platforms are digital services, and as such were subject to 21% VAT and 30% perception. ARCA has just signed a RG through which the 30% perception on transactions made on these platforms through credit cards in foreign currency is eliminated," explained the presidential spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, in a post on X, adding with a nod to the nostalgic: "Great night for some Counter Strike 1.6 matches."
El comunicado de ARCA.
The affected platforms
The measure covers a wide range of online video game services that are widely used by Argentine users. Among the included platforms are Battle Net, Epic Games, Steam, PlayStation Network, EA Play, Microsoft, Blizzard, Candy Crush, Fortnite, Nintendo, Riot Games, Rockstar Games, Sandbox Interactive, SEGA, Dream Games, Garena, Konami, Playrix Games, Pokémon Go, Tencent Games, Ubisoft, and Valve, among others.
Until now, these purchases were subject to the 30% perception of income tax or on personal assets for purchases on foreign digital platforms, such as video game services, when paid with a credit card in dollars, which significantly increased the cost of acquiring games, subscriptions, or content within the platforms. With this new provision, consumers will see an immediate reduction in the final cost of their transactions.
El presidente Javier Milei en su oficina.
The measure could also positively impact the local gaming industry, which has experienced sustained growth in recent years. Argentina has an emerging community of developers and a young audience highly involved in the gaming world, both as consumers and content creators.
With this step, Milei's Government continues to advance its tax relief agenda and seeks to promote access to digital products, in a sector that, in addition to entertainment, represents economic and job opportunities for new generations.
