Updated May 2026 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Small Claims Court Filing Fees (2026)

Exact filing fees for the Magisterial District Court — enter your claim amount for a personalized estimate.

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

$45–$100

Filing Fee Range

$12,000

Court Limit

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E-Filing Available

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Pennsylvania Small Claims Filing Fees Explained

To file a small claims case in the Magisterial District Court, you must pay a filing fee at the time you submit your paperwork. In Pennsylvania, filing fees are $45–$100 depending on the amount of your claim.

Pennsylvania offers electronic filing for small claims cases. An e-filing convenience fee of $5 applies.

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Pennsylvania Magisterial District Courts handle small claims. Philadelphia County fees may vary from rural counties.

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Tip

Pennsylvania's 'Magisterial District Court' handles small claims informally and quickly.

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

Source: Pennsylvania official court website ↗

Frequently Asked Questions — Pennsylvania

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

The small claims filing fee in Pennsylvania is $45–$100. 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 Pennsylvania?

The fee to start a small claims case in Pennsylvania is $45–$100. 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 Pennsylvania?

Yes — Pennsylvania offers e-filing for small claims. An e-filing fee of $5 typically applies in addition to the standard filing fee.

How do I waive the filing fee in Pennsylvania small claims?

If you cannot afford the $45–$100 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most Pennsylvania courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our Pennsylvania small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.

What court handles small claims in Pennsylvania?

Small claims cases in Pennsylvania are handled by the Magisterial District Court. Contact the clerk's office to confirm the filing location, current hours, and accepted payment methods before you go.