Updated May 2026 South Carolina

South Carolina Small Claims Court Filing Fees (2026)

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

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

$80–$140

Filing Fee Range

$7,500

Court Limit

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E-Filing Available

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South Carolina Small Claims Filing Fees Explained

To file a small claims case in the Magistrate Court, you must pay a filing fee at the time you submit your paperwork. In South Carolina, filing fees are $80–$140 depending on the amount of your claim.

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South Carolina Magistrate Courts handle small claims up to $7,500. Fees are mid-range in the Southeast.

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Tip

South Carolina has higher-than-average filing fees. Factor them into your decision.

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

Source: South Carolina official court website ↗

Frequently Asked Questions — South Carolina

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

The small claims filing fee in South Carolina is $80–$140. 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 South Carolina?

The fee to start a small claims case in South Carolina is $80–$140. 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 South Carolina?

E-filing availability varies by county in South Carolina. Contact your local Magistrate Court clerk to confirm whether online filing is available in your jurisdiction.

How do I waive the filing fee in South Carolina small claims?

If you cannot afford the $80–$140 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most South Carolina courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our South Carolina small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.

What court handles small claims in South Carolina?

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