In 2026, California Courts says an individual can generally use small claims for a claim of $12,500 or less, while a business entity such as a corporation is generally limited to $6,250. Filing fees are normally $30, $50 or $75 based on the amount claimed, with a $100 fee for frequent filers. The monetary ceiling does not extend the statute of limitations or cure defective service.
Information checked: September 10, 2026.
Who can claim how much
Natural persons generally have a $12,500 ceiling. Corporations, LLCs and other business entities generally have a $6,250 ceiling. Plaintiffs also face limits on the number of claims over $2,500 filed in a calendar year, with statutory exceptions.
Filing fees
California Courts lists $30 for claims up to $1,500, $50 for more than $1,500 through $5,000, and $75 for more than $5,000 through $12,500. A person who filed more than 12 small claims cases in the prior 12 months generally pays $100. Fee waivers may be available.
Deadline to sue
The statute of limitations depends on the claim: written contracts, oral agreements, property damage, personal injury and government claims can have different clocks. Pre-suit government claim procedures can be much shorter. Filing in the wrong court or negotiating informally does not necessarily stop the clock.
Serve the defendant
The plaintiff cannot personally serve the claim. Use an adult who is not a party, sheriff, process server or another permitted method. California Courts explains that service generally must be completed at least 15 days before trial when the defendant is in the county and 20 days when outside the county, with added time for substituted service.
Prepare for hearing
Organize a timeline, contract, messages, photographs, invoices, repair estimates, payment proof and witness information. Bring copies for the judge and defendant. A judgment does not collect itself; enforcement steps and appeal rights differ for plaintiffs and defendants.
Action checklist
Start at the official agency page linked below and confirm that it applies to your location, tax year, account, property, or claim. Write down the deadline and the event that starts it. Gather notices, contracts, statements, payment records, identification, and dated correspondence before submitting. Save a complete copy, confirmation number, delivery proof, and the name of any agency representative. Review the resulting decision promptly and calendar every appeal or follow-up date.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not rely on an undated search snippet, a commercial calculator, or a rule from another state or county. Do not assume an application pauses a lawsuit, collection action, tax deadline, or housing deadline unless the responsible authority confirms it. Avoid sending original records or sensitive information through an unverified link. When a deadline or legal consequence is disputed, obtain the written rule and consider qualified local advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can an individual sue for $15,000 in small claims?
Generally no. The individual limit is $12,500; consider waiving the excess or using civil court after legal advice.
Can I serve the papers myself?
No. A nonparty adult or authorized service method must be used.
What if I cannot afford the fee?
California Courts provides a fee-waiver process for qualifying people.
Summary
Confirm the claim is timely, choose the correct defendant and venue, file within the monetary limit, and serve the defendant by the court deadline. Keep proof for every dollar requested. Verify current agency instructions before acting.