Buying Departamento as a Tourist

[dsba1]

I am interested in purchasing an apartment with a tourist visa. Besides the issues of getting the money in and out of Argentina, what is the best way to handle all (a) bills related to the apartment (water, gas, internet, etc) and (b) any ongoing/annual government taxes/fees if I don't have a bank account in Argentina which appears hard to get as a tourist?

 

[lunar]

... what is the best way to handle all (a) bills related to the apartment ...

And how would you know when you’ve received a bill related to the apartment?
In any case, I’d suggest finding someone to handle it for you.

 

[LuckyLuke]

I'm not sure about BA, but from what I have experienced in Neuquen, it's the same as the US. All utilities statements are available and payable online, including municipal taxes. There are catches with regards to the form of payment accepted. An argentine bank account with an attached debit card is the best solution. Some services will allow you to charge a foreign credit card, but not all. One utility service I have found for some reason processes the charge as a cash advance, which incurs additional fees and higher interest rates. I'm sure there are immobilarias that can take care of these things for you and you can wire a monthly fee if you have no other choice. You may want to look into that.

 

[Ries]

Post covid, a lot more is online.most things can be paid online with a credit card. Most utilities can be set up to send an email bill. And while its difficult its not impossible for a non resident to get a basic bank account.
Or, you can hire someone to manage your bills.

 

[Alby]

However, you also have to find someone willing to be your representative to the tax authority and pay the wealth tax on the property on your behalf.

 

[Ries]

However, you also have to find someone willing to be your representative to the tax authority and pay the wealth tax on the property on your behalf.

For Bienes, yes, you need an accountant.
For ABL, you get both a mailed and an emailed statement, and you can pay that online from the USA.
This is a classic Argentinan issue- the bureacracy is so complicated and antiquated that you cannot pay taxes yourself. If a government wants tax income, you would think there would be an online payment plan for Bienes. Many many foreign owners just dont pay them, and then, when they sell the property, its deducted from the proceeds.

 

[dsba1]

For Bienes, yes, you need an accountant.
For ABL, you get both a mailed and an emailed statement, and you can pay that online from the USA.
This is a classic Argentinan issue- the bureacracy is so complicated and antiquated that you cannot pay taxes yourself. If a government wants tax income, you would think there would be an online payment plan for Bienes. Many many foreign owners just dont pay them, and then, when they sell the property, its deducted from the proceeds.

For "Bienes" is this only in CABA? How much is it? Who normally pays, this a local accountant?

 

[Alby]

You need more than an accountant. The accountant calculates the amount and prepares the return. But you need another person (an Argentina tax payer) to stand in for you as the tax payer, pay the amount electronically on your behalf and assume the risk before the tax authority.

The bienes personales tax is a federal wealth tax. Non-tax residents (like a tourist who buys an apartment) who own assets in Argentina have to pay it on the value of the assets. The tax may disappear in the future if the current government wins a second term, but remains in place.

 

[steveinbsas]

For "Bienes" is this only in CABA?

All of Argentina

How much is it?

Quiénes deberán pagar Bienes Personales a partir de la sanción de la nueva ley

Finalmente, el oficialismo logró que la Cámara de Diputados aprobara los cambios que había propuesta para el gravamen. Sube el mínimo no imponible y cambian las escalas

www.infobae.com

PS: Wait for the translation.

 

[dsba1]

So how do I find someone to pay the Bienes tax? Are there no companies that provide this service for non residents?