How to use the estimate
Start with the type of dispute and the amount actually claimed. The usual route for an eligible ordinary money claim is the CRT up to $5,000 and Provincial Small Claims Court above $5,000 up to $35,000. Dollar value alone does not settle jurisdiction. The calculator pauses for specialist or uncertain claim types instead of giving them an ordinary small-claims fee.
The large total combines the listed official fees and the expense budgets you enter. It is a plan for what you may spend, not an amount the other party owes you. If you choose a later step, the application fee remains included. The budget is cumulative from the start; it does not subtract fees you have already paid.
Which published fees are included?
For ordinary CRT claims, the online application fee is $75 up to $3,000 and $125 above $3,000. Email/mail applications add $25. Replying online is free; an email/mail response is $25. A final small-claims decision is $50, a consent order is $25, and a default order is $25 online or $30 by email/mail. The selected later step is added once.
For an original Provincial Court Notice of Claim, Schedule A lists $100 up to $3,000 and $156 above $3,000. A Reply is $26 or $50 respectively, unless the defendant agrees to pay all of the claim. The default-order application adds $25. Court Services Online adds $7 per transmitted document package. The lower Court fee tier is used only when a Court route below the usual CRT threshold has been confirmed.
What if I need a fee waiver or receive a refund?
This calculator shows standard fees. It does not assume that a fee waiver or refund will be approved. Check the Court or CRT requirements and the scope of any approval. CRT refunds can depend on when and how a dispute ends; reducing the estimate automatically would overstate that outcome.
Will I get my costs back if I win?
Possibly some of them, depending on the process, the order and which expenses are allowed. Winning does not guarantee repayment of every dollar spent on a lawyer, experts or service. The tool keeps spending separate from any potential costs award and does not add a guessed recovery.
What is outside this first calculator?
Counterclaims, third-party claims, appeals, transfers, limitation periods, court-order interest, contractual-interest valuation and special claim types are outside this model. It also does not calculate bailiff or sheriff collection charges. Use official guidance to confirm territorial jurisdiction, the correct parties, service, deadlines and the value of any non-money relief.
Read the BC small claims starting guide · Calculator methodology