Updated May 2026 South Carolina
South Carolina Small Claims Court Limit (2026)
The maximum amount you can sue for in South Carolina small claims court, plus filing fees, statutes of limitation, and court-specific tips.
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
$7,500
Court Limit
3 yrs
Written Contract SOL
Statute of limitations
3 yrs
Oral Contract SOL
Statute of limitations
Small Claims Court Limit Calculator
Select your state to see the maximum amount you can sue for and applicable statutes of limitation.
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Court Limit
Written Contract SOL
Oral Contract SOL
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How to File → South Carolina Small Claims Court: What You Need to Know
In South Carolina, small claims cases are heard in the Magistrate Court. The maximum amount you can sue for is $7,500.
Tip
South Carolina has higher-than-average filing fees. Factor them into your decision.Filing Fees in South Carolina
Filing fees in South Carolina range from $80 to $140 depending on your claim amount.
Statutes of Limitation in South Carolina
You must file your claim within the applicable statute of limitations:
- Written contracts: 3 years
- Oral contracts: 3 years
- Property damage: 3 years
South Carolina Magistrate Courts handle small claims up to $7,500. Fees are mid-range in the Southeast.
Claim too high for small claims?
In most states you can voluntarily reduce (waive) the excess amount to bring your claim within the South Carolina limit. It's often worth it to avoid the higher cost and complexity of regular civil court.Can't afford the filing fee?
Ask the court clerk for a fee waiver application (In Forma Pauperis). Most South Carolina courts waive fees for filers whose income is below 125–200% of the federal poverty level.Frequently Asked Questions — South Carolina Small Claims
What is the small claims court limit in South Carolina?
The small claims court limit in South Carolina is $7,500. This is the maximum dollar amount you can sue for in the Magistrate Court. Claims exceeding this limit must be filed in a higher civil court.
How much can I sue for in South Carolina small claims court?
You can sue for up to $7,500 in South Carolina small claims court. If your actual damages are higher, you can voluntarily reduce (waive) the excess to fit within the limit — often worth doing to avoid the cost and complexity of regular civil court.
What is the statute of limitations for small claims in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations is 3 years for written contract claims and 3 years for oral contract claims. Always file before the deadline — courts dismiss time-barred claims regardless of merit.
How do I file a small claims case in South Carolina?
To file in South Carolina: (1) get a Plaintiff's Claim form from the Magistrate Court clerk or court website, (2) pay the filing fee ($80–$140), (3) serve the defendant, and (4) attend your hearing. See our South Carolina how-to-file guide for full step-by-step instructions.
What is the Magistrate Court in South Carolina?
South Carolina's small claims court is called the Magistrate Court. It handles civil monetary disputes quickly and affordably, without the formality of regular civil court. Most parties represent themselves without an attorney.
Can I sue for more than $7,500 in South Carolina small claims?
No — the $7,500 cap is absolute in South Carolina. You can file in a higher civil court if your claim is larger, or voluntarily reduce your claim to fit within the limit and waive the excess. Splitting one claim into multiple small claims cases to circumvent the cap is not permitted.
Also See for South Carolina
South Carolina Filing Fees
Exact court fees to open your case
How to File in South Carolina
Step-by-step South Carolina filing guide
South Carolina Fee Waiver
Waive filing fees if you can't afford them
Being Sued in South Carolina?
Defendant rights and response guide
Collect a Judgment in South Carolina
Enforce your judgment after winning
South Carolina Divorce Fees
Court costs for filing divorce
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