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Tasmania small claims guide

How to sue someone in TAS

In Tasmania, any dispute of $15,000 or less is a 'minor civil claim' in the Magistrates Court (Civil Division) — and the parties must represent themselves.

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Quick answer

In Tasmania, most small money claims go to the Magistrates Court of Tasmania (Civil Division) — Minor Civil Claim (up to $15,000). You generally have 6 years to sue on a debt or contract. Send a letter of demand first.

Magistrates Court of Tasmania (Civil Division) — Minor Civil Claim

court
Monetary limit
Minor civil claim: $15,000 or less.
Filing fee
From 1 July 2026 (fee unit $1.96): $147.00 for $1–$5,000; $284.20 for $5,001+.
Form
Claim — minor civil claim (Magistrates Court Civil Division)
Where to lodge
Magistrates Court registry (lodge in person / post) ↗
Lawyers
Parties must represent themselves unless the court permits otherwise.
Service
The claim must be served on the defendant (service expense allowed $51 per defendant).

Fee bands (individual / business)

  • ≤ $5,000: $147 / $147
  • ≤ $15,000: $284.20 / $284.20

Source: magistratescourt.tas.gov.au fees + minor civil claims pages (30 Oct 2026). Checked 2026-10-30. Official info ↗

Step by step in TAS

  1. Send a letter of demand. Give a clear deadline (we use 21 days). No mandatory notice, but a letter of demand is expected.
  2. Check the forum and the limit. Tasmania's fees are set in 'fee units' ($1.96 from 1 July 2026), which is why the filing fees look oddly specific.
  3. Prepare your claim. Claim — minor civil claim (Magistrates Court Civil Division). Have your evidence numbered and ready.
  4. Lodge and pay the fee via Magistrates Court registry (lodge in person / post).
  5. Serve the other party. The claim must be served on the defendant (service expense allowed $51 per defendant).
  6. Turn up prepared. Most hearings start with conciliation — be ready to settle on sensible terms.
  7. Enforce if you have to. If a judgment isn't paid, you can file enforcement process with the Magistrates Court — for example a warrant to sell property — for a filing fee plus bailiff's fees.

Time limits

Contract and debt claims: generally 6 years (Limitation Act 1974 (Tas) s 4).

Special cases

  • Bonds & tenancy: Bond disputes go to the Residential Tenancy Commissioner / Magistrates Court.
  • Unpaid wages: Fair Work small claims can be run in the Magistrates Court of Tasmania — confirm.

Local tips

  • File at your nearest Magistrates Court registry.
  • There are no legal costs in a minor civil claim — but you can claim filing and service costs.
  • You can also use minor civil claims for tenancy and Consumer Credit Code disputes.

TAS FAQs

What's the small claims limit in Tasmania?

$15,000 or less for a minor civil claim.

How much does it cost?

From 1 July 2026: $147.00 for claims of $1–$5,000 and $284.20 for claims of $5,001 and over.

Can I have a lawyer?

Parties must represent themselves unless the court gives permission in special circumstances.

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