Smith County Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in Smith County, TX. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the Tyler area.
Small claims in Texas — the numbers for Smith County courts
$20,000
maximum claim
from $54
filing fee (published, varies by claim)
2–4 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Texas small claims guide · The form that starts a case: every field explained.
Smith County has 5 independent courts
How to choose: By defendant's residence or where the cause of action arose
All Courts in Smith County
Justice of the Peace Precinct 1
200 E. Ferguson Street, Suite 501
Tyler, TX 75702
Serves: Central Tyler and surrounding areas
Justice of the Peace Precinct 2
15405 Highway 155 S
Tyler, TX 75703
Serves: Southwestern Smith County, including parts of Tyler, Flint, and Gresham
Justice of the Peace Precinct 3
313 E. Duval Street
Troup, TX 75789
Serves: Southeastern Smith County, including Troup, Arp, and surrounding areas
Justice of the Peace Precinct 4
14152 Highway 155 N
Winona, TX 75792
Serves: Northeastern Smith County, including Winona, Starrville, and Red Springs
Justice of the Peace Precinct 5
2616 S. Main Street
Lindale, TX 75771
Serves: Northwestern Smith County, including Lindale and Hideaway
How to File in Smith County
E-filing available
This county accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse clerk during business hours. Pay the filing fee by cash, check, or credit card.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this courthouse first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee (check or money order) plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in Texas
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $20,000.
Limit raised to $20,000 effective October 2025. Filed in Justice of the Peace courts. Texas does not allow wage garnishment for most consumer debts.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
4 yrs written contract · 4 yrs oral contract · 2 yrs property damage · 2 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Smith County?
Filing fees in Texas are set by the state and run from $54 to $99, depending on how much you're claiming. If you can't afford the fee, Texas offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Smith County?
Small claims cases in Smith County are limited to $20,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online in Smith County?
Yes — electronic filing is available for small claims in Smith County. You can also file in person or by mail. The clerk's office can tell you which option is fastest for your case.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Smith County?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.