Updated May 2026 Tennessee

Tennessee Small Claims Court Filing Fees (2026)

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

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

$75–$170

Filing Fee Range

$25,000

Court Limit

✓

E-Filing Available

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Tennessee Small Claims Filing Fees Explained

To file a small claims case in the General Sessions Court, you must pay a filing fee at the time you submit your paperwork. In Tennessee, filing fees are $75–$170 depending on the amount of your claim.

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

Tennessee General Sessions Courts have a high $25,000 limit. Fees rise substantially for larger claim amounts.

Tip

Tennessee has the highest small claims limit in the US at $25,000 — a major advantage for plaintiffs.

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. Tennessee courts generally waive fees for low-income filers — bring proof of income.

Source: Tennessee official court website ↗

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Frequently Asked Questions — Tennessee

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

The small claims filing fee in Tennessee is $75–$170. 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 Tennessee?

The fee to start a small claims case in Tennessee is $75–$170. 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 Tennessee?

Yes — Tennessee 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 Tennessee small claims?

If you cannot afford the $75–$170 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most Tennessee courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our Tennessee small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.

What court handles small claims in Tennessee?

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