Questions, answered plainly

The short version of what people ask before they try contado.

Is contado free?

Yes. The core is free forever: logging, confirming, totals, who owes you, exports, every language. Paid modules will come later, on top — and the founding hundred lock $6/mo for all of them.

Which payment apps work?

Venmo, Cash App and Zelle screenshots, plus cash you type in. Screenshot the Transactions list, not the social feed — the feed hides amounts.

Do I have to connect my bank?

No. You upload your own screenshots — there is no bank login in contado today, and screenshots will always be the default.

What happens to my screenshots?

They're sent to OpenAI to be read. contado keeps the rows it returns, not the screenshot itself — though OpenAI may retain the image for up to 30 days to monitor for abuse. The only images we keep are photos you choose to attach to a sale, and those stay with that sale until you delete your account.

Can I use it in Spanish or Portuguese?

Yes. English, Spanish and Portuguese, switchable any time. We never charge for language.

Does it do invoices or estimates?

No. contado is a ledger, not an invoicing app: it tracks who owes you and clears it when the payment shows up. Quotes and invoices are a different tool.

Does it file my taxes?

No — it gets you ready. Schedule-C categories on expenses, a mileage estimate, proof of income, and a CSV your preparer opens directly. Estimates never mix with actuals.

Does it work on my phone?

Yes. It's a website that works on any phone, with no install. Every flow is built to survive ten seconds, one hand, in a driveway.

Can I export or delete my data?

Always. Export everything as CSV any time, free. Delete your account in Settings and everything is erased for good seven days later — you can change your mind inside those seven days.

Who is contado for?

Very small service businesses that get paid through apps and cash — cleaners, landscapers, barbers and anyone who works like them. One owner, one phone.

How do I keep track of who owes me money?

Log the job when you do the work, even before the money arrives. It waits in Owed, grouped by client and aged, until you tap “Got cash” — or a payment in your next screenshots clears it automatically.

How do I prove my income if I'm paid in cash?

Log the cash as it comes in. contado builds a proof of income you can print or save as PDF, plus a CSV of actual income and expenses your tax preparer opens directly.

Can it separate business and personal Venmo payments?

Yes — that's the swipe. Every payment read from your screenshots becomes a card: right is business, left is personal. Personal never touches your books or your taxes.