Short answer. In Indiana, small claims court covers claims up to $10,000. Where to file: Any county where the transaction or occurrence took place, the obligation was incurred or is to be performed, or the defendant resides or works. The fee to start a case is $87 to $130, depending on the claim.
Can I file my claim in Indiana small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the Indiana limit of $10,000.
Need the other side served? Process serving with an affidavit of service.
Indiana small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $10,000. $10,000 or less for small claims filed on or after July 1, 2021. Marion County small claims courts have their own statute (Ind. Code 33-34).
- Court
- Small claims docket of the circuit and superior courts
- Who can file
- The person or business to whom the money is owed. Corporations, LLCs and similar entities may use an attorney, an owner or a designated full-time employee; assigned claims (collection agencies) need an attorney.
- Lawyers
- Allowed
- Where to file
- Any county where the transaction or occurrence took place, the obligation was incurred or is to be performed, or the defendant resides or works.
- Serving the other side
- The clerk or sheriff delivers the notice of claim, or certified mail; it must be served at least 10 days before the court date.
- Appeal
- To the Indiana Court of Appeals, within 30 days of the small claims judgment.
Indiana filing fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Small claim filed on paper, one defendant (filing fee plus the fees collected with it) | $97 | $35 small claims costs fee, $10 service fee and $52 in other statutory fees |
| Small claim filed electronically, one defendant (total) | $87 | no service fee on e-filed actions |
| Marion County township small claims court, one defendant (total) | $130 | separate schedule |
| Service fee for each additional named defendant (paper filings) | $10 | |
| Sheriff service, if requested | $28 |
From the Indiana Trial Court Fee Manual (Office of Court Services, current through the 2026 legislative session): outside the Marion County township courts a small claim costs $97 with one defendant on paper ($35 small claims costs fee under IC 33-37-4-6 plus the fees collected with it), or $87 if e-filed. A jury trial request costs $70. Fee waivers are available for people who can't pay.
Want us to handle it?
A runner files your papers in person at the clerk's window and sends you a scan of the stamped copy. We file what you prepared; we don't give legal advice.
Price: Outside New Jersey it goes through our contractor network: quote-based, confirmed before any work starts, and booked once a local contractor accepts. In New Jersey it is from $75 per filing, court fees at cost. Starting rates. Your exact price is quoted after we confirm a local notary/runner, before you pay.
Filing a small claim in Indiana, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the Indiana limit is $10,000, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtAny county where the transaction or occurrence took place, the obligation was incurred or is to be performed, or the defendant resides or works.
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeThe filing fee in Indiana is $87 to $130, depending on the claim. From the Indiana Trial Court Fee Manual (Office of Court Services, current through the 2026 legislative session): outside the Marion County township courts a small claim costs $97 with one defendant on paper ($35 small claims costs fee under IC 33-37-4-6 plus the fees collected with it), or $87 if e-filed. A jury trial request costs $70. Fee waivers are available for people who can't pay. Online filing: see the official link below.
- Have the other side servedThe clerk or sheriff delivers the notice of claim, or certified mail; it must be served at least 10 days before the court date.
- 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 decisionTo the Indiana Court of Appeals, within 30 days of the small claims judgment.
Official Indiana links
- Indiana small claims self-help page
- Indiana online filing
- Indiana Office of Court Services: Trial Court Fee Manual (current through the 2026 legislative session)
- Indiana Judicial Branch: E-filing implementation schedule (available in all Indiana trial courts; unrepresented litigants may e-file)
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Indiana 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.
Indiana small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in Indiana?
$10,000. $10,000 or less for small claims filed on or after July 1, 2021. Marion County small claims courts have their own statute (Ind. Code 33-34).
How much does it cost to file a small claim in Indiana?
Small claim filed on paper, one defendant (filing fee plus the fees collected with it): $97 ($35 small claims costs fee, $10 service fee and $52 in other statutory fees); Small claim filed electronically, one defendant (total): $87 (no service fee on e-filed actions); Marion County township small claims court, one defendant (total): $130 (separate schedule); Service fee for each additional named defendant (paper filings): $10; Sheriff service, if requested: $28. From the Indiana Trial Court Fee Manual (Office of Court Services, current through the 2026 legislative session): outside the Marion County township courts a small claim costs $97 with one defendant on paper ($35 small claims costs fee under IC 33-37-4-6 plus the fees collected with it), or $87 if e-filed. A jury trial request costs $70. Fee waivers are available for people who can't pay.
Can a lawyer represent me in Indiana small claims?
Allowed in Indiana, per the official page. The person or business to whom the money is owed. Corporations, LLCs and similar entities may use an attorney, an owner or a designated full-time employee; assigned claims (collection agencies) need an attorney.
Where do I file a small claim in Indiana?
Any county where the transaction or occurrence took place, the obligation was incurred or is to be performed, or the defendant resides or works.
Can I appeal a small claims decision in Indiana?
To the Indiana Court of Appeals, within 30 days of the small claims judgment.
How is the other side served in a Indiana small claims case?
The clerk or sheriff delivers the notice of claim, or certified mail; it must be served at least 10 days before the court date.
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