National deputy Guillermo Michel from Entre Ríos criticized Javier Milei's government for considering the elimination of the monotributo, a system benefiting 4.7 million taxpayers. Michel argued that this measure ignores the reality of most Argentinians and proposed a simplified regime called 'Simple' for SMEs. He emphasized the need for a federal perspective to avoid pushing entrepreneurs into informality.
Amid the debate on a possible elimination of the monotributo, deputy Guillermo Michel came out to defend this tax regime essential for millions of independent workers and small entrepreneurs. In an interview with radio Mitre, Michel questioned the government's understanding of Argentinians' daily lives: "They don't know how most Argentinians live and work".
Currently, there are 4.7 million monotributistas in the country, over 85% of whom are in the lowest categories. Michel highlighted that this system accounts for only 1.4% of total tax revenue, so eliminating it would mean a disproportionate adjustment. "Will they force a small contractor to file VAT and Income Tax?", the legislator asked, criticizing measures driven from a "porteño desk" that do not consider the realities of the country's interior.
In Buenos Aires, access to technology eases procedures, but in the provinces the monotributo simplifies life for many, according to Michel. To address these issues, his legislative bloc developed the 'Simple' project, a scheme that serves as a bridge for SMEs to simplify tax filing and payment. This aims to prevent entrepreneurs, upon reaching the top of their categories, from stopping invoicing or resorting to cash payments: "Many, when at the top of the category, stop invoicing or charge in black".
Michel urged the government to abandon improvised ideas and engage in dialogue with sectors that sustain the daily economy, stressing that "the whole country does not function the same way, we must think about the entire interior of the country".