How to use this court filing fee calculator
Some countries charge a court stamp fee that scales with the amount you sue for. United States courts do not work that way. A federal civil case costs the same whether you claim $5,000 or $5 million, so this tool starts from the flat fee for the court you file in and adds the other charges you actually pay.
Legal basis: 28 U.S.C. §1914 sets the $350 statutory civil filing fee, and the Judicial Conference administrative fee brings the district court total to about $405; a notice of appeal runs about $605. State trial and small claims courts set their own flat or tiered fees, so the $300 and $75 options are representative placeholders - override them with your own court's published schedule. Figures are current as of September 2026 and are revised periodically.
Fee waivers (proceeding in forma pauperis under 28 U.S.C. §1915) may be available if you cannot afford the fee. This calculator is for reference only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney about your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not in federal court. The civil filing fee is flat regardless of the amount in controversy. Some state courts use tiered brackets, so check the fee schedule published by your local clerk.
Filing fees are taxable costs under 28 U.S.C. §1920, so a prevailing party can ask the court to tax them against the losing side. It is a separate application, not an automatic refund.
You can apply to proceed in forma pauperis under 28 U.S.C. §1915 by filing a financial affidavit. The judge decides whether the fee is waived or deferred.