Frequently Asked Questions

FocusTax is a focus timer app for iPhone and Android that charges you real money when you break a focus session. You set a timer, choose your stakes ($0.99 to $999.99), and your selected apps get blocked. If you break focus before the timer ends, you pay. If you survive, you keep your money.

It's free to download — you only pay when you fail.

FocusTax works in four steps:

1. Set your stakes — choose how much money you'll lose if you break focus, from $0.99 to $999.99.
2. Set your timer — pick a session length from 15 minutes to 8 hours.
3. Stay focused — your selected apps are blocked using Apple's Screen Time API. If you try to open a blocked app, you'll see a shield screen.
4. Survive or pay — complete the session and keep your money, or break focus and pay your commitment amount through the App Store.

Most focus apps use gamification (streaks, badges, virtual trees) or gentle reminders to keep you focused. FocusTax uses real money.

When you set a session, your apps are actually blocked at the system level, and breaking focus costs real dollars. There are no streaks, no points, no rewards — just a timer, a dollar amount, and a consequence.

FocusTax also has zero tracking, no accounts, and no subscriptions.

Yes, FocusTax is ideal for studying. Many students use it during exam prep, finals week, and regular study sessions. Set a timer for your study block, choose a commitment amount that motivates you, and your distracting apps get blocked.

The real financial stakes create stronger accountability than willpower alone. Sessions can be set from 15 minutes to 8 hours.