Want it written for you? Arizona courts issue their own version of the claim form, so we do not produce the form itself. Answer a few plain-English questions and get a Statement of Claim written so you can copy each field onto your court’s form, plus a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your Arizona claim qualifiesThe Arizona Small Claims Form
📄 Per-precinct Small Claims Complaint (AOC generic exists)
Arizona courts issue their own version of this form, so get the one for the court you file in. Download it free from azcourts.gov.
Arizona Limit, Fee and Filing Rules
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | Justice Court, Small Claims Division |
| Claim limit | $5,000 |
| Claim form | Per-precinct Small Claims Complaint (AOC generic exists) |
| Filing fee | $25 statutory base filing / $15 answer (A.R.S. 22-281) + county surcharges — e.g. $58/$46 in Maricopa — confirm the current fee with the clerk before filing |
| Serving the defendant | Registered/certified mail (plaintiff) or process server (confirm the current service rules with the clerk) |
| Law that sets the limit | A.R.S. § 22-503(A) |
| Court data verified | July 9, 2026 |
A claim of exactly $5,000 is within the limit.
In Arizona, the exact court, local paperwork and fees can differ by county or court. The court finder below shows yours.
Filing Deadlines in Arizona
How long the law gives you to file. When the clock starts depends on the claim, so do not leave it late: a claim filed after the deadline can be dismissed however strong it is.
| Type of claim | Time to file | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Written contract | 6 years | A.R.S. § 12-548(A)(1) |
| Oral / verbal agreement | 3 years | A.R.S. § 12-543(1) |
| Damage to property | 2 years | A.R.S. § 12-542(3), (4), (5) |
| Personal injury | 2 years | A.R.S. § 12-542(1) |
| Unpaid debt or account | 3 years — 6 years where the indebtedness is evidenced by a contract in writing — A.R.S. § 12-548(A)(1). | A.R.S. § 12-543(1)-(2) |
Not sure which type yours is? The statute of limitations lookup covers more claim types.
Being Sued in Arizona Instead?
Do you file an answer? You must file an answer within 20 days after you are served. (A.R.S. § 22-514)
If they owe you money: The statute sets no separate counterclaim deadline. A counterclaim over the small-claims limit takes the case out of small claims and it proceeds as a regular civil action. (A.R.S. § 22-517)
The been-sued deadline lookup covers what happens if you do nothing.
Where to Get the Official Arizona Forms
Court forms are free from the official sources below. Use the current version from your court.
- Official claim form — azcourts.gov
- Official source — azcourts.gov
- Official source — azcourts.gov
- The clerk of the Justice Court, Small Claims Division — can give you the current form and tell you whether your court adds any local paperwork.
How does Arizona compare? See the small claims limits and filing fees for every state.
Arizona Small Claims Forms: FAQ
❓ What form do I file to start a small claims case in Arizona?
The claim is filed on your court’s own version of the claim form. The official source is azcourts.gov. Court-issued forms are free; you pay only the filing fee.
❓ How much can you sue for in Arizona small claims court?
In Arizona you can claim up to $5,000 in the Justice Court, Small Claims Division. If your claim is larger, you can usually reduce it to the limit or file in a higher court instead.
❓ How much does it cost to file small claims in Arizona?
The filing fee is $25 statutory base filing / $15 answer (A.R.S. 22-281) + county surcharges — e.g. $58/$46 in Maricopa — confirm the current fee with the clerk before filing. Serving the defendant usually costs extra.
❓ Can you fill in the Arizona small claims form for me?
Arizona courts issue their own version of the claim form, so we do not produce the form itself. We write a Statement of Claim from your answers, laid out so you can copy each field onto your court’s official form, plus a script for the hearing and an evidence checklist.
Want it written for you?
A few plain-English questions about your Arizona case, then review and file. Checking is free; $19 for the completed documents.
Check if your Arizona claim qualifiesGeneral information, not legal advice. SmallClaimsHelper prepares documents; it is not a law firm.