Updated May 2026 New York

New York 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

$15–$20

Filing Fee Range

$10,000

Court Limit

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E-Filing Available

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New York 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 New York, filing fees are $15–$20 depending on the amount of your claim.

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New York City small claims limit is $10,000; elsewhere it may be $5,000 or lower. NYC fees are notably modest.

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Tip

New York has surprisingly low filing fees â€” among the cheapest in the US at $15â€“$20.

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

Source: New York official court website ↗

Frequently Asked Questions — New York

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

The small claims filing fee in New York is $15–$20. 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 New York?

The fee to start a small claims case in New York is $15–$20. 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 New York?

E-filing availability varies by county in New York. 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 New York small claims?

If you cannot afford the $15–$20 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most New York courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our New York small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.

What court handles small claims in New York?

Small claims cases in New York 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.