How Many Cases May I File?

In California, you may file as many claims in small claims court as you want for up to $2,500 each. But you may only file two (2) claims in a calendar year that ask for more than $2,500 (and up to $10,000 if you are an individual or sole proprietor of a business, or up to $5,000 for other businesses).

NOTE 1: A calendar year is from January 1 of a year to December 31 of that same year.

NOTE 2: If you file more than 12 other small claims in the state within the previous 12 months, then the filing fee is $100 for each claim you file beginning with the 13th claim. (Keep in mind: “previous 12 months” is different from the “calendar year.”)

NOTE 3: Government agencies (cities, counties, school districts, etc.,) may file more than two (2) claims in a calendar year if the claims do not exceed $5,000.

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