The small claims limit in Tennessee
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 | $25,000 | Tenn. Code §16-15-501(d)(1) |
| A business | $25,000 | Tenn. Code §16-15-501(d)(1) |
| A public agency | $25,000 | Tenn. Code §16-15-501(d)(1) |
More about Tennessee
Common questions
- How much can you claim in small claims court in Tennessee?
- An individual can claim up to $25,000. A business can claim up to $25,000. A public agency can claim up to $25,000. That comes from Tenn. Code §16-15-501(d)(1).
- Which court handles small claims in Tennessee?
- General Sessions Court, Civil. The general sessions court in the county where the other side lives or where the dispute happened. Tennessee has no separate small claims court; general sessions handles these cases.
- How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Tennessee?
- The shortest window is 3 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under Tenn. Code §28-3-105(1). 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 Tennessee'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 2026-09-05.
- Tenn. Code §16-15-501(d)(1) · effective 2024-01-02 · A general sessions court can hear a money claim of up to $25,000. Tennessee has no separate small claims court; these cases are filed as civil warrants in general sessions.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.