How to sue someone for $500 in California

Does $500 belong in small claims?

As an individual: yes. The ceiling is under $12,500 and $500 is within it.

As a corporation, LLC or partnership: yes. Entities are capped at under $6,250, and $500 is inside that.

Your filing fee: $30

California sets small claims filing fees by the amount claimed, statewide — no county charges its own rate.

On $500 that is $30, which is 6.0% of what you are chasing. If you win, the fee is recoverable as a cost. If paying it up front is the problem, FW-001 asks the court to waive it.

Is it worth it for $500?

The honest answer turns on one question, and it is not whether you are right. It is whether you can collect. A $500 judgment against someone with a job, a bank account or property is worth real money — and a California judgment lasts 10 years, is renewable, and earns 10% simple interest a year while unpaid. The same judgment against someone with nothing is a piece of paper.

At this size the $30 fee and a few hours of your time is a low bar to clear, and the demand letter alone often ends it.

How to do it

1. Demand payment in writing

   State the $500, say what it is for, and give a deadline. California expects you to have asked before you file.

2. File SC-100

   SC-100 plus two copies, in the county where the defendant lives or does business. Pay $30.

3. Serve the defendant

   Someone other than you must deliver the papers, and SC-104 proves it happened.

4. Go to the hearing

   No attorneys on either side. Bring documents, three sets.

5. Collect

   The court will not collect for you.