Using Galois descent tools, we extend the Altmann-Hausen presentation of normal affine algebraic varieties endowed with an effective torus action over an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero to the case where the ground field is an arbitrary field of characteristic zero. In this context, the acting torus may have non-trivial torsors and we need additional data to encode such varieties. Finally, we focus on affine varieties endowed with a two-dimensional torus action and we provide a method for determining when a torsor is trivial, in which case the Altmann-Hausen presentation simplifies.