What is cache-tax?
cache-tax is a Claude Code mod by Fraktalis that warns before a message that would re-read the whole conversation on a cold prompt cache, shows the cache state in the status line, and can keep it warm with /keepwarm. It is listed under Cost & usage and has no public popularity data yet.
| Type | Claude code mod |
|---|---|
| Author | Fraktalis |
| Repository | Fraktalis/claude-mods |
| Popularity | no public popularity data yet |
| Category | Cost & usage |
| Security | Low risk (80/100) |
| Rank | #3,226 of 5,272 Claude Code mods; #587 in Cost & usage |
| Last commit | 2026-10-09 |
| Hooks | 5 events |
| Sees | every prompt |
| Draws on | nothing |
Is cache-tax safe to install?
cache-tax scores 80/100 on the MCPMods security check: Low risk. Things to review: watches every prompt or event. It passed 5 of 8 checks.
Mod footprints come from claude plugin validate, which lists every event a mod hooks and every API call it makes without running it.
| Check | Result |
|---|---|
| No network access | Pass |
| Starts no processes | Pass |
| Writes no files or config | Pass |
| Doesn't read environment variables | Pass |
| Watches every prompt or event | Review |
| Drives Claude (model calls, prompts) | Note |
| Passes claude plugin validate | Pass |
| No license detected | Note |
API calls in its code
| Call | What it means |
|---|---|
$.clock.after | |
$.clock.every | |
$.clock.now | |
$.command.register | |
$.prompt.fill | writes the prompt box |
$.prompt.read | |
$.prompt.submit | drives Claude |
$.state.get | |
$.state.set | |
$.ui.status | draws interface |
How do I install cache-tax?
- Check your Claude Code version. Mods need Claude Code 2.1.287 or later and are on by default.
claude --version
- Read its footprint. This lists every event it hooks and every API call it makes, without running it.
git clone https://github.com/Fraktalis/claude-mods claude plugin validate ./claude-mods/plugins/cache-tax
- Install it. Run this in your terminal, then /reload-plugins in an open session.
claude plugin marketplace add Fraktalis/claude-mods && claude plugin install cache-tax@alex-mods
Or ask Claude to set it up
Paste this into Claude Code and it installs cache-tax for you:
Install the "cache-tax" Claude Code mod from https://github.com/Fraktalis/claude-mods/tree/main/plugins/cache-tax. Run claude plugin validate on it first and show me what it can access before you enable it.
More from Fraktalis/claude-mods
This repository has 4 Claude Code mods on MCPMods.
- file-tree: Side pane with the project tree: files Claude reads, edits or creates light up, and turn green once committed. (Review before installing)
- savvy-progress: Progress bar above the prompt and a live subagent pane with pixel crab mascots, model, tokens and estimated cost. (Low risk)
- tool-skins: Reskins the transcript's tool rows: an icon and a colour per tool, from a theme palette. /skin or /skin off. (Low risk)