The small claims limit in Arkansas
The limit is the most the court can award on one claim. It depends on who is claiming, and in some states on which court hears it.
| Claiming as | Most you can claim | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| An individual | $5,000 | Ark. Sup. Ct. Admin. Order No. 18, §§4, 5; Ark. Code §16-17-704 |
| A business | $5,000 | Ark. Sup. Ct. Admin. Order No. 18, §§4, 5; Ark. Code §16-17-704 |
| A public agency | $5,000 | Ark. Sup. Ct. Admin. Order No. 18, §§4, 5; Ark. Code §16-17-704 |
In Arkansas, collection agencies, assignees of a claim, and anyone in the business of lending money at interest cannot use the small claims division. A corporation can use it only if it is a closely held Arkansas corporation, and an officer must appear for it. Ark. Sup. Ct. Admin. Order No. 18, §§4, 5; Ark. Code §16-17-704
More about Arkansas
Common questions
- How much can you claim in small claims court in Arkansas?
- An individual can claim up to $5,000. A business can claim up to $5,000. A public agency can claim up to $5,000. That comes from Ark. Sup. Ct. Admin. Order No. 18, §§4, 5; Ark. Code §16-17-704.
- Can a business bring a small claim in Arkansas?
- In Arkansas, collection agencies, assignees of a claim, and anyone in the business of lending money at interest cannot use the small claims division. A corporation can use it only if it is a closely held Arkansas corporation, and an officer must appear for it. That comes from Ark. Sup. Ct. Admin. Order No. 18, §§4, 5; Ark. Code §16-17-704.
- Which court handles small claims in Arkansas?
- District Court, Small Claims Division. The small claims division of the district court in the county where the other side lives or where the agreement was to be carried out.
- How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Arkansas?
- The shortest window is 3 years, counted from the day the payment was missed or the agreement was broken, under Ark. Code §16-56-105(1), (3). Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.
Verify with your court
Numbers change, and a court can post its own variation. Open Arkansas's small claims page and confirm anything you are about to rely on.
Open the court's small claims pageVerified on 2026-09-05, sources:
Verified on 2026-09-05, sources: Rules effective from 2017-01-01.
- Ark. Sup. Ct. Admin. Order No. 18, §§4, 5; Ark. Code §16-17-704 · effective 2017-01-01 · The small claims division of the district court hears contract, property damage, and personal property claims of up to $5,000, not counting interest and costs. Collection agencies, assignees, and money lenders cannot use it.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.