Updated May 2026 Texas
Texas Small Claims Court Limit (2026)
The maximum amount you can sue for in Texas small claims court, plus filing fees, statutes of limitation, and court-specific tips.
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
$20,000
Court Limit
4 yrs
Written Contract SOL
Statute of limitations
4 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 → Texas Small Claims Court: What You Need to Know
In Texas, small claims cases are heard in the Justice Court. The maximum amount you can sue for is $20,000.
Tip
Texas has a $20,000 limit — second highest in the US after Tennessee.Filing Fees in Texas
Filing fees in Texas range from $54 to $121 depending on your claim amount. Electronic filing is available.
Statutes of Limitation in Texas
You must file your claim within the applicable statute of limitations:
- Written contracts: 4 years
- Oral contracts: 4 years
- Property damage: 2 years
Texas small claims cases are filed in Justice Court. Fees vary by county but typically range from $54–$105.
Claim too high for small claims?
In most states you can voluntarily reduce (waive) the excess amount to bring your claim within the Texas 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 Texas courts waive fees for filers whose income is below 125–200% of the federal poverty level.Source: Texas official court website ↗
Frequently Asked Questions — Texas Small Claims
What is the small claims court limit in Texas?
The small claims court limit in Texas is $20,000. This is the maximum dollar amount you can sue for in the Justice Court. Claims exceeding this limit must be filed in a higher civil court.
How much can I sue for in Texas small claims court?
You can sue for up to $20,000 in Texas 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 Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is 4 years for written contract claims and 4 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 Texas?
To file in Texas: (1) get a Plaintiff's Claim form from the Justice Court clerk or court website, (2) pay the filing fee ($54–$121), (3) serve the defendant, and (4) attend your hearing. See our Texas how-to-file guide for full step-by-step instructions.
What is the Justice Court in Texas?
Texas's small claims court is called the Justice 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 $20,000 in Texas small claims?
No — the $20,000 cap is absolute in Texas. 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 Texas
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Step-by-step Texas filing guide
Texas Fee Waiver
Waive filing fees if you can't afford them
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Defendant rights and response guide
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Enforce your judgment after winning
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