Not legal advice. Limits change when legislatures act, and some courts apply a lower number than the headline figure. Always confirm with the clerk of the court where you plan to file.
| State | Max claim limit | Typical filing fee | Court | Notes |
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How this chart was built
Limits were compiled from state statutes and official court publications and verified against multiple current sources on October 1, 2026, including Nolo's 50-state chart, state legislature sites, and official court guidance. Recent increases are noted (Arizona, California, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Utah). Filing fees are typical ranges: most counties set their own surcharges, so the exact fee at your courthouse can differ.
Need the fee picture in depth? Our companion guide leads with costs: Small Claims Court Filing Fees by State (50-State Table).
Claim near or over your state's limit?
If your dispute is close to (or above) the small claims cap, the filing strategy matters. Attorney matching coming soon.
Guides
What Happens If Your Claim Is Over the Small Claims Limit?
Your three options when the dispute exceeds the cap: waive the excess, file in a higher court, or split the claim, with the real trade-offs of each.
Can You Split a Claim to Fit Under the Small Claims Limit?
Why courts prohibit splitting one dispute into smaller cases, when genuinely separate cases are allowed, and what to do instead.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum I can sue for in small claims court?
It depends on your state. As of 2026 the caps range from $2,500 in Kentucky to $25,000 in Delaware and Tennessee. The most common limit is $10,000. Use the chart above to find your state, and confirm with the court clerk before filing.
Do filing fees count toward the dollar limit?
Usually not. The limit applies to the amount of your claim (the damages you are asking for). Filing fees, service costs, and interest are generally excluded from the cap, but rules vary, so check your local court's instructions.
What if my claim is more than the small claims limit?
You have two options: file in the regular civil division of a higher court (where procedures are more formal), or reduce your claim to fit under the cap and waive the excess. You cannot split one dispute into two small claims cases to dodge the limit.
Do businesses get the same limit as individuals?
Not always. California allows individuals up to $12,500 but caps businesses at $6,250; Washington allows individuals $10,000 but other filers $5,000. If you are filing on behalf of a company or LLC, read your state's rule carefully.
How often do these limits change?
More often than people expect. Arizona, California, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Utah all raised (or scheduled) increases in 2024 to 2026. This chart was verified October 1, 2026, but statutes move, so treat the court clerk as the final word.