Fees, costs, and interest
What the court charges, what a winner can get back, and what interest adds.
Interest runs from the day the claim arose (CJA s. 128(1)).
The quarter you start the case sets the rate (CJA s. 127(1)). Blank = if you file today.
Court fee to file the claim
$108
O. Reg. 332/16 · infrequent claimant (fewer than 10 claims already filed in the same office this year)
Court fee for a default judgment request
$94
If the defendant does not defend
Court fee to set a trial date
$308
If the case is contested
Court fees, filing to trial
$416
Filing + trial date, before service costs
Costs cap if you win
up to $1,275
15% of the claim (CJA s. 29), plus disbursements
Service costs the loser can repay
up to $60 per person served
r. 19.01(3) · more only in special circumstances
Claim-preparation costs the loser can repay
up to $200
r. 19.01(4)
Self-represented and you win
up to $500
r. 19.05 · inconvenience and expense
You beat your own settlement offer
up to $1500 more
r. 14.07(3) · offer served at least 7 days before trial (r. 14.02(2))
Postjudgment interest after a judgment
4% per year
CJA s. 129 · rate for a judgment made in 2026-Q3, on the amount owed incl. costs
Fees are the current schedule (O. Reg. 332/16), in force since January 1, 2023, and change with inflation on January 1, 2027. Fee waivers exist for low incomes. Interest is simple interest: amount × rate ÷ 365 × days. A judgment is an order to pay, not a payment. Legal information, not legal advice.
Sources: O. Reg. 332/16 s. 1(2), read 2026-09-04; next adjustment 2027-01-01 (CPI, s. 4(1) as amended by O. Reg. 394/25). Interest rates: ontario.ca prejudgment and postjudgment interest rates table (updated September 2, 2026).