What it costs to file in Texas
The court charges this when you hand in the claim. It is separate from the amount you are claiming.
Set by each court
This state does not set one statewide fee. The court where you file publishes its own.
More about Texas
Common questions
- What does it cost to file a small claims claim in Texas?
- Texas does not set one statewide fee. Each court publishes its own, so check the court where you will file.
- How much can you claim in small claims court in Texas?
- An individual can claim up to $20,000. A business can claim up to $20,000. A public agency can claim up to $20,000. That comes from Tex. Gov't Code §27.031(a)(1).
- Which court handles small claims in Texas?
- Justice Court. The justice of the peace court for the precinct where the other side lives or where the dispute happened.
- How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Texas?
- The shortest window is 2 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003(a). 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 Texas'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 2026-07-01.
- Tex. Loc. Gov't Code §118.121 · effective 2021-09-01 · Justice court filing fees are set by statute and vary by county. Your precinct's justice court publishes its fee schedule.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.