Thinking about taking someone to small claims court in California? Whether it’s unpaid rent, a broken contract, or a refund that never came through, small claims court can be a powerful tool to resolve disputes without hiring a lawyer.
But before you get started, let’s talk about what it costs to file a small claims case — and how to make the most of your money.
💰 What Are the Filing Fees for Small Claims in California?
Filing fees in California are based on the amount you’re suing for:
| Amount of Your Claim | Filing Fee |
| $0 to $1,500 | $30 |
| $1,500.01 to $5,000 | $50 |
| $5,000.01 to $12,500 | $75 (individuals only) |
⚠️ Businesses can only sue for up to $6,250 in small claims court.
So, for example:
- If you’re suing for $1400 for a Security Deposit, your filing fee is $30.
- If you’re suing a client for $4,000 in unpaid invoices, it’s $50.
- Suing a contractor for $9,000 in damages? That’ll be $75.
🔄 Can I Recover the Filing and Service Fee if I Win?
Yes! If you win your case, the judge can order the other party to reimburse your filing and service fee as part of the judgment.
This means the cost of filing and service are recoverable costs and often get added to the total amount the defendant must pay — so it may end up costing you nothing in the long run.
🧾 Other Potential Costs to Know About
While the filing fee is the main upfront cost, here are a few other potential charges you might run into:
| Service | Typical Cost |
| Service of Process (Recoverable Cost) | $75–$150+ (included in our packages) |
| Court copies or certified documents | $1–$25 each If necessary (Very Rare) |
| Judgment collection (e.g., bank levy or a wage garnishment) | Varies |
💡 What If I Can’t Afford the Filing Fee?
California courts allow you to request a fee waiver if you:
- Receive public benefits (like CalFresh or Medi-Cal)
- Have a low income or can’t afford basic needs and the fee
Just fill out a Request to Waive Court Fees (Form FW-001) and submit it with your claim. If approved, you can proceed with your case without paying anything to the court upfront, however, this does not apply to the filing and service fees charged by the Process Serving agency.
📌 Total Cost Breakdown Example
Let’s say you’re suing for $2,000.
Here’s a rough cost breakdown:
- Courts Fee: $50.00
- Document Preparation: $150.00 – $300.00
- Filing Fee: $75.00 – $150.00
- Service of Process: $75.00 – $175.00
- Additional Filing of the Proof of Service: $50.00 – $100.00
- Total Upfront: Around $400.00 – $550.00
- Our Fee: $349.00 (Included with our full-service option)
And if you win? You could recover all of it from the other party.
🚀 Make the Process Fast & Easy With Our Self-Guided Filing Tool
Filing small claims in California doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. At Countrywide Process, we help you:
✅ Prepare and file your claim
✅ Automatically generate your demand letter
✅ Serve the defendant professionally
✅ Track your case start to finish
Let us do the heavy lifting — so you can focus on getting paid.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Filing?
If someone owes you money and won’t pay — and the amount is under $10,000 — small claims court is often the fastest, cheapest way to get a legal resolution.
Knowing your exact filing fee in advance helps you make a confident decision. And with affordable support available, there’s no reason to go it alone.
Need help figuring what documents and information you’ll need?
Check out our free California Small Claims Checklist to get started.
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