Updated May 2026 Kentucky

Kentucky Small Claims Court Filing Fees (2026)

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

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

$28–$58

Filing Fee Range

$2,500

Court Limit

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E-Filing Available

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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, filing fees are $28–$58 depending on the amount of your claim.

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

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Tip

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

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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.

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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 ↗

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 $28–$58. 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 Kentucky?

The fee to start a small claims case in Kentucky is $28–$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 $28–$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.