Fees and e-filing

Court Fees

You will need to pay a court fee to start your case. Typically this will be based on the value of your claim. The fee payable upon issue of proceedings is 5% of the amount for claims worth between £10,000 and £200,000, or £10,000 for claims worth more than £200,000.

If your claim does not involve a claim for money (a non-money claim), then the level of fee will depend on the nature of the claim. A High Court claim for possession carries a fee of £480. A High Court claim for something other than money or possession carries a fee of £569. Fees are also payable for hearings and applications, including applications brought at the same time as the claim.

If you bring a claim for a non-money claim and a claim for money (e.g. damages), both court fees must be paid.

Proceedings under the Companies Acts and insolvency proceedings have different fees. For bankruptcy and company winding-up petitions, an additional amount, known as the Official Receiver’s deposit is payable at the same time as the court fee.

For detailed information on fees, please consult the HMCTS Fees in the Civil and Family Courts guidance (external link)

Help with Fees

You may be able to get money off your court fees, depending on your financial position. Find further guidance on Help With Fees (external link).

Payment of Court Fees

Court fees can be paid through CE-File either by account or card payment, or by providing a Help With Fees number. The Official Receiver’s deposit (see above) cannot be paid by CE-File: see further guidance (external link)..

Electronic Filing

The CE-File can be accessed online (external link).

It is mandatory for all professional court users to use the Electronic Working Pilot Scheme as set out in CPR PD 51O (external link).

Further information about the CE-File and electronic filing can be found in the following places: