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What it costs to file in Massachusetts

The court charges this when you hand in the claim. It is separate from the amount you are claiming.

What it costs to file in Massachusetts
Claim up toFeeRule
$500$40G.L. c. 218, §22 with c. 262, §4C
$2,000$50G.L. c. 218, §22 with c. 262, §4C
$5,000$100G.L. c. 218, §22 with c. 262, §4C
$7,000$150G.L. c. 218, §22 with c. 262, §4C

More about Massachusetts

Common questions

What does it cost to file a small claims claim in Massachusetts?
$40 for a claim up to $500. $50 for a claim up to $2,000. $100 for a claim up to $5,000. $150 for a claim up to $7,000. That comes from G.L. c. 218, §22 with c. 262, §4C.
How much can you claim in small claims court in Massachusetts?
An individual can claim up to $7,000. A business can claim up to $7,000. A public agency can claim up to $7,000. That comes from G.L. c. 218, §21.
Which court handles small claims in Massachusetts?
District Court, Boston Municipal Court, or Housing Court, Small Claims Session. The small claims session of the District Court or Boston Municipal Court for the place where either side lives or does business. Housing Court also hears small claims about rental housing.
How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Massachusetts?
The shortest window is 3 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under G.L. c. 260, §2A. 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 Massachusetts's small claims page and confirm anything you are about to rely on.

Open the court's small claims page

Verified on 2026-09-05, sources: Rules effective from 2021-12-13.

  • G.L. c. 218, §22 with c. 262, §4C · effective 2003-07-01 · The entry fee is $30 for claims up to $500, $40 up to $2,000, $90 up to $5,000, and $140 above that, plus a $10 surcharge, so you pay $40, $50, $100, or $150.

FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.