The small claims limit in Texas
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 | $20,000 | Tex. Gov't Code §27.031(a)(1) |
| A business | $20,000 | Tex. Gov't Code §27.031(a)(1) |
| A public agency | $20,000 | Tex. Gov't Code §27.031(a)(1) |
More about Texas
Common questions
- 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. Gov't Code §27.031(a)(1) · effective 2019-06-02 · A justice court can hear a money dispute of up to $20,000.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.