Small Claims Court Fee Calculator

Enter your claim amount to estimate your filing fee by tier, add service of process, and see your total estimated cost — with a fully editable fee table you can match to your local court.

📖 How it works & FAQ

Claim amount ($)

Tier 1: claims under ($)

Tier 1 filing fee ($)

Tier 2: claims under ($)

Tier 2 filing fee ($)

Tier 3: claims up to ($)

Tier 3 filing fee ($)

Service of process fee ($)

What it costs to file a small claims case

Before you sue someone in small claims court, it helps to know what you will spend to get the case started. Most courts charge a filing fee that scales with the size of your claim — a small fee for claims under a threshold like $1,500, a mid-range fee up to around $5,000, and a higher fee for claims near the small claims maximum. On top of that, you usually pay to have the defendant formally served with the papers, whether by certified mail, sheriff, or private process server. This calculator adds those pieces together so you can see your total estimated cost before you file — and weigh it against what you are trying to recover.

Every number in the fee table is editable. The defaults are typical ballpark figures, but fees vary widely by state and county, so look up your local court's fee schedule and type the real numbers in. The estimate updates instantly as you change the claim amount, tier boundaries, tier fees, or service cost. Everything runs in your browser; nothing you enter is sent anywhere. These are estimates only, not legal or financial advice — actual fees vary by jurisdiction, so confirm with your court clerk.

How to use it

Enter the dollar amount you plan to claim.
Adjust the three tier cutoffs and filing fees to match your local court's fee schedule.
Set the service of process fee (certified mail is often cheapest; sheriffs and process servers cost more).
Read the total estimated cost, the filing fee tier that applies, and any warning that your claim may exceed the small claims limit.

FAQ

Can I get my filing fees back if I win?: Often, yes. Many courts let the winning party add court costs, including filing and service fees, to the judgment. Ask for costs when you file or at the hearing.
What if I can't afford the filing fee?: Most courts offer a fee waiver (sometimes called in forma pauperis) for people with low income. Ask the clerk for the waiver form before you pay.
What does service of process cost?: Certified mail through the court is often $10–$15 per defendant, sheriffs commonly charge $25–$50, and private process servers can run $50–$100+. You pay once per defendant.
What happens if my claim is over the small claims limit?: You can usually either waive the excess and sue for the maximum, or file in a higher court with higher fees and more formal procedures. The calculator flags claims above your top tier.