Updated May 2026 Massachusetts
Massachusetts Small Claims Court Filing Fees (2026)
Exact filing fees for the Small Claims Session — enter your claim amount for a personalized estimate.
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
$40–$150
Filing Fee Range
$7,000
Court Limit
✗
E-Filing Available
Small Claims Filing Fee Calculator
Enter your claim amount and state to estimate the court filing fee.
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How to File → Massachusetts Small Claims Filing Fees Explained
To file a small claims case in the Small Claims Session, you must pay a filing fee at the time you submit your paperwork. In Massachusetts, filing fees are $40–$150 depending on the amount of your claim.
0Massachusetts Small Claims sessions are held in District and Boston Municipal Courts. Fees range from $40–$100.
Tip
Massachusetts allows online filing through eFileMA for many counties.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. Massachusetts courts generally waive fees for low-income filers — bring proof of income.Frequently Asked Questions — Massachusetts
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Massachusetts?
The small claims filing fee in Massachusetts is $40–$150. 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 Massachusetts?
The fee to start a small claims case in Massachusetts is $40–$150. 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 Massachusetts?
E-filing availability varies by county in Massachusetts. Contact your local Small Claims Session clerk to confirm whether online filing is available in your jurisdiction.
How do I waive the filing fee in Massachusetts small claims?
If you cannot afford the $40–$150 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most Massachusetts courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our Massachusetts small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.
What court handles small claims in Massachusetts?
Small claims cases in Massachusetts are handled by the Small Claims Session. Contact the clerk's office to confirm the filing location, current hours, and accepted payment methods before you go.
Also See for Massachusetts
Massachusetts Small Claims Limit
Maximum you can sue for: $7,000
How to File in Massachusetts
Step-by-step Massachusetts filing guide
Massachusetts Fee Waiver
Waive filing fees if you can't afford them
Being Sued in Massachusetts?
Defendant rights and response guide
Collect a Judgment in Massachusetts
Enforce your judgment after winning
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