Economic Development Bill signed by Governor Patrick on August 5th includes more than this past weekend's Tax Free Shopping holiday. In this bill, there is a provision allowing residents to file court claims of up to $7000 in small claims court, up from $2000. It will become effective on November 2nd.
New fees have been established for the filing of small claims cases. The current law provides for a filing fee of $20 for claims of $500 or less and $30 for claims greater than $500.
The new fee for claims of $500 or less has been increased to $30 and to $40 for claims greater than $500 but less than $2,000. A new fee of $90 will be charged for claims greater than $2,000 but less than $5,000, and a fee of $140 for claims greater than $5,000.