Updated May 2026 Texas

Texas Small Claims Court Filing Fees (2026)

Exact filing fees for the Justice Court — enter your claim amount for a personalized estimate.

LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed: May 2026

$54–$121

Filing Fee Range

$20,000

Court Limit

✓

E-Filing Available

Small Claims Filing Fee Calculator

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Texas Small Claims Filing Fees Explained

To file a small claims case in the Justice Court, you must pay a filing fee at the time you submit your paperwork. In Texas, filing fees are $54–$121 depending on the amount of your claim.

Texas offers electronic filing for small claims cases. An e-filing convenience fee of $5 applies.

Texas small claims cases are filed in Justice Court. Fees vary by county but typically range from $54–$105.

Tip

Texas has a $20,000 limit — second highest in the US after Tennessee.

You can recover the filing fee

If you win your case, ask the judge to add the filing fee to your judgment. The defendant would then owe you the original claim plus court costs.

Fee waiver available

Can't afford the fee? Ask the court clerk for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application. Texas courts generally waive fees for low-income filers — bring proof of income.

Source: Texas official court website ↗

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Frequently Asked Questions — Texas

How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Texas?

The small claims filing fee in Texas is $54–$121. The fee is tiered by claim amount — smaller claims cost less to file. Additional costs may include service of process and any applicable courthouse surcharges.

What is the small claims filing fee in Texas?

The fee to start a small claims case in Texas is $54–$121. This covers the court's cost for opening your case and docketing the claim. It does not include service of process, certified copies, or attorney fees.

Can I file small claims online in Texas?

Yes — Texas offers e-filing for small claims. An e-filing fee of $5 typically applies in addition to the standard filing fee.

How do I waive the filing fee in Texas small claims?

If you cannot afford the $54–$121 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most Texas courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our Texas small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.

What court handles small claims in Texas?

Small claims cases in Texas are handled by the Justice Court. Contact the clerk's office to confirm the filing location, current hours, and accepted payment methods before you go.