Short answer. In Texas, small claims (Justice Court (Small Claims Case)) cover claims up to $20,000. Where to file: County and precinct where the defendant resides, where the incident occurred, where the contract was to be performed, or (to recover personal property) where the property is located; if the defendant is a nonresident or residence unknown, where the plaintiff resides (TRCP 502.4). Texas's filing fee wasn't on the official page we checked; ask the clerk.
Can I file my claim in Texas small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the Texas limit of $20,000.
Texas small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $20,000. Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 500.1(a) (rules updated as of January 1, 2026) and Gov't Code 27.031: a small claims case can be for no more than $20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs but including attorney fees. Texas State Law Library: you cannot reduce a larger claim to fit. Justice courts also hear evictions and repair orders under separate rules.
- Court
- Justice Court (Small Claims Case)
- Who can file
- Individuals may represent themselves or use an attorney; the court may allow a family member or uncompensated person to assist. Corporations/entities may be represented by a non-attorney employee, owner, officer or partner, or by an attorney (TRCP 500.3). An authorized agent may not represent a party in a small claims case.
- Lawyers
- Allowed
- Where to file
- County and precinct where the defendant resides, where the incident occurred, where the contract was to be performed, or (to recover personal property) where the property is located; if the defendant is a nonresident or residence unknown, where the plaintiff resides (TRCP 502.4). Electronic filing is allowed if the court allows it (TRCP 502.1).
- Serving the other side
- Sheriff or constable, certified process server, the clerk by registered or certified mail (restricted delivery, return receipt requested), or a court-authorized person 18+; no party or interested person may serve (TRCP 501.2).
- Appeal
- Within 21 days after judgment is signed (or after denial of a motion to reinstate, set aside or for new trial), file an appeal bond, cash deposit, or Statement of Inability; case goes to county court for a new trial (de novo). Plaintiff's bond $500; defendant's bond twice the judgment. Only judgments or disputes over $250 (excluding costs) can be appealed (TRCP 506; Texas State Law Library).
Filing fees are set by county and differ between justice courts; no statewide amount was confirmed. Check the local justice court. A Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs may be filed.
Not confirmed for Texas: filing fees, online filing. The official Texas page we checked didn't state these, so we left them out. Ask the clerk or see the official page.
Filing a small claim in Texas, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the Texas limit is $20,000, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtCounty and precinct where the defendant resides, where the incident occurred, where the contract was to be performed, or (to recover personal property) where the property is located; if the defendant is a nonresident or residence unknown, where the plaintiff resides (TRCP 502.4). Electronic filing is allowed if the court allows it (TRCP 502.1).
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeFiling fees are set by county and differ between justice courts; no statewide amount was confirmed. Check the local justice court. A Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs may be filed.
- Have the other side servedSheriff or constable, certified process server, the clerk by registered or certified mail (restricted delivery, return receipt requested), or a court-authorized person 18+; no party or interested person may serve (TRCP 501.2).
- Get ready for the hearingLawyers: allowed. Bring the contract, receipts, photos, messages and a short timeline, with copies for the judge and the other side.
- After the decisionWithin 21 days after judgment is signed (or after denial of a motion to reinstate, set aside or for new trial), file an appeal bond, cash deposit, or Statement of Inability; case goes to county court for a new trial (de novo). Plaintiff's bond $500; defendant's bond twice the judgment. Only judgments or disputes over $250 (excluding costs) can be appealed (TRCP 506; Texas State Law Library).
Official Texas links
- Texas small claims self-help page
- Texas State Law Library: Small Claims Maximum (FAQ, updated Nov 25, 2025)
- Texas State Law Library: Appealing a Case
- Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (updated as of Jan 1, 2026), posted by Harris County Justice Courts
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Texas pages above, not legal advice. MCC Solutions isn't a law firm and isn't affiliated with any court. Rules and fees change: the official page and the clerk have the final word. The checker runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent or saved.
Texas small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in Texas?
$20,000. Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 500.1(a) (rules updated as of January 1, 2026) and Gov't Code 27.031: a small claims case can be for no more than $20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs but including attorney fees. Texas State Law Library: you cannot reduce a larger claim to fit. Justice courts also hear evictions and repair orders under separate rules.
Can a lawyer represent me in Texas small claims?
Allowed in Texas, per the official page. Individuals may represent themselves or use an attorney; the court may allow a family member or uncompensated person to assist. Corporations/entities may be represented by a non-attorney employee, owner, officer or partner, or by an attorney (TRCP 500.3). An authorized agent may not represent a party in a small claims case.
Where do I file a small claim in Texas?
County and precinct where the defendant resides, where the incident occurred, where the contract was to be performed, or (to recover personal property) where the property is located; if the defendant is a nonresident or residence unknown, where the plaintiff resides (TRCP 502.4). Electronic filing is allowed if the court allows it (TRCP 502.1).
Can I appeal a small claims decision in Texas?
Within 21 days after judgment is signed (or after denial of a motion to reinstate, set aside or for new trial), file an appeal bond, cash deposit, or Statement of Inability; case goes to county court for a new trial (de novo). Plaintiff's bond $500; defendant's bond twice the judgment. Only judgments or disputes over $250 (excluding costs) can be appealed (TRCP 506; Texas State Law Library).
How is the other side served in a Texas small claims case?
Sheriff or constable, certified process server, the clerk by registered or certified mail (restricted delivery, return receipt requested), or a court-authorized person 18+; no party or interested person may serve (TRCP 501.2).
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