For example, the Cars pay 21% VAT, but pickups and utility vehicles pay 10.5% for that tax.. At the same time, There are cars that do not pay Internal Taxes, others that are covered by the first scale (with a rate of 20%) and a smaller portion, those with a higher price, by the second (with a rate of 35%).
It must also be taken into account that cars imported from Mercosur do not pay tariffs for a special regime. The same happens with the trade agreement with Mexico. On the other hand, those that come from other countries have a customs tariff of 35%.
Besides, There are different ways to allocate taxes, different provincial and municipal rates.which makes the calculation more complicated.
In an attempt to arrive at a number that is closest to reality, Ambit consulted different industry sources.
The first fact that emerges is that, according to the manufacturers, last year, The AFIP calculated US$3.9 billion in revenue from commercial taxes from automobile companies.
Regarding 2023, the tax pressure grew this year for different reasons. For example, The rate of the PAIS Tax was increased and the prices of 0km also increased in dollars.
Apart from this official data, an estimate was made among the different sources consulted.
The number of vehicles sold in May (cars, light utility vehicles and heavy vehicles) was taken as a basis. The round number was 34,000 units.
The average value per unit varies, depending on sources. In the association that brings together the dealerships (ACARA), taking only cars, it is around $21,000,000. In the terminals, including pickups and heavy vehicles, some are close to $30,000,000 and others estimate it at 27,000,000.
This last value was taken as the most representative, although it may seem conservative. The feeling is that the average should be higher, taking into account the prices of 0km, but it is the data that emerges from the consultations. Anyone could refute it, but there is no way to confirm otherwise.
The other data to clarify is the tax burden per unit. That 58% was estimated on a car that does not pay any of the scales of the so-called “luxury” tax. That is to say, For some segments, the tax burden is higher, quite a bit higher, but it is true that its volume decreases.
On the other hand, pickups and utility vehicles pay 10.5% VAT and are exempt from Internal Taxes. These segments represent around 40% of sales.
According to the sources consulted, the tax pressure on pickups, due to what has just been explained, is lower than the percentage disclosed by ADEFA. Some place it at 50% or less.
The average percentage that had the greatest consensus is that the general tax burden per unit can be around 55%.
A 0km of $27,000,000 is equivalent to about US$30,000. The official exchange rate was taken because it is the one used to import finished units or auto parts and any collection conversion that is carried out must be done for this dollar, not the “blue”.
At a value of US$30,000, the 34,000 units sold in May represented a billed volume of US$1,020,000,000. Of that amount, 55% were taxes. That is, the State took US$561,000,000 into its coffers in May. Meanwhile, automotive companies and car importers were left with US$459,000,000.
This year it is estimated that the total market may be between 340,000 and 380,000 units, which implies that May would represent 10% of the total market. Taking the lowest projection, consumers will give the State in 2024, through the purchase of cars, US$5.61 billion.
The AFIP had calculated US$3.9 billion in 2023 and the calculation made shows US$5.61 billion. This does not take into account what it receives from patents and other procedures.
Either amount shows the important revenue generated by the sector and explains why it is difficult to decide to lower taxes. The lower resources would have to be compensated from somewhere else or spending would have to be reduced further. There is also the theory that says that, with lower taxes, prices go down, sales grow and collection improves, but it is an idea that many economists hold while they are not officials.
The conclusion, for the consumer, is to be clear that when they buy a 0km, they are actually paying for two: one they take home and the other they give to the State.
