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Kentucky Small Claims Court Filing Fees (2026)

Filing a small claims case in Kentucky costs
$58
to file a claim.
Verified October 2026 from the official court source
$2,500Most you can claim
5 yearsTo sue over a contract
5 yearsTo sue over property damage
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites  ·  Created  ·  Reviewed and verified

Before you file

$2,500 limit

Kentucky has the lowest limit of any US state at $2,500.

Extra defendants

Many courts charge extra for each added defendant or for certified-mail service.

Fee waiver

If you can't afford the fee, ask the clerk how to file without paying up front. The court decides. Kentucky fee waiver guide

Estimate your fee by claim amount

Small Claims Filing Fee Calculator

Enter your state and claim amount to see the official court filing fee.

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· Filing fee:
How to File

Kentucky small claims fees by county

Kentucky sets one statewide fee; local add-ons can apply. Open your county for details and the court contact.

Why Kentucky fees differ by county
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Kentucky Small Claims Filing Fees Explained

To file a small claims case in the Small Claims Court, you must pay a filing fee at the time you submit your paperwork. In Kentucky, the filing fee is a flat $58.

Kentucky Small Claims Court has the lowest limit nationally at $2,500. Filing fees are correspondingly modest.

Tip

Kentucky has the lowest limit of any US state at $2,500.

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

Source: Kentucky official court website ↗

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Frequently Asked Questions: Kentucky

How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Kentucky?
The small claims filing fee in Kentucky is $58. Additional costs may include service of process and any applicable courthouse surcharges.
What is the small claims filing fee in Kentucky?
The fee to start a small claims case in Kentucky is $58. 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 Kentucky?
E-filing availability varies by county in Kentucky. Contact your local Small Claims Court clerk to confirm whether online filing is available in your jurisdiction.
How do I waive the filing fee in Kentucky small claims?
If you cannot afford the $58 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most Kentucky courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our Kentucky small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.
What court handles small claims in Kentucky?
Small claims cases in Kentucky are handled by the Small Claims Court. Contact the clerk's office to confirm the filing location, current hours, and accepted payment methods before you go.

Also See for Kentucky

Kentucky Small Claims Limit
Maximum you can sue for: $2,500
How to File in Kentucky
Step-by-step Kentucky filing guide
Kentucky Fee Waiver
Waive filing fees if you can't afford them
Being Sued in Kentucky?
Defendant rights and response guide
Collect a Judgment in Kentucky
Enforce your judgment after winning
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Keeping it accurate takes real work. Fees change across all 50 states and 530+ counties, so we check every official source monthly and review every state each quarter.

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