New South Wales · Small Claims
NSW NCAT consumer and commercial claims: sue for up to $20,000. Filing fees $54–$220, 4–12 weeks to hearing. Official forms, deadlines, and evidence prep.
Court Name
NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT)
Filing Limit
$20,000
Filing Fee
$54–$220 depending on claim amount
Response Deadline
28 days after service to file a response
Hearing Timeline
4–12 weeks after filing
Statute
Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013 (NSW)
✓ Verified as of 2026-03-30
The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) Consumer and Commercial Division handles civil disputes up to $20,000 under NSW law. It is designed for individuals and small businesses who want to resolve disagreements without engaging lawyers for the full proceeding, though legal advice beforehand is always permitted. Common disputes include unpaid invoices, faulty goods or services, building and trade disputes, motor vehicle purchase disputes, and consumer contract breaches. NCAT is a no-cost jurisdiction for most consumer claims, with low filing fees and a straightforward process. The tribunal can order one party to pay money, perform work, or refund a payment. ThreadLock helps you organize your documents, build a chronological timeline of events, and export a court-ready evidence packet before your hearing.
Most individuals aged 18 and over may file a claim, as can businesses, partnerships, and incorporated associations. You must file with the correct division of NCAT, consumer and commercial disputes fall under the Consumer and Commercial Division. File in NSW if the transaction, service, or event occurred in NSW, or if the other party carries on business in NSW. Corporations are permitted to appear through a director or an authorized representative; legal practitioners may represent parties in some matters with the tribunal's leave. Fee reductions may be available for holders of a pension or concession card, ask the registry for details when filing.
To file a claim at NCAT, complete the application online through the NCAT Online Registry or in person at an NCAT registry. You will need the full legal name and address of the respondent, a clear description of your dispute, the amount you are claiming or the remedy you seek, and supporting documents such as invoices, contracts, or receipts. The filing fee is $54–$220 depending on claim amount. Concession card holders pay a reduced fee.
After filing, NCAT will notify the respondent and schedule a hearing or conciliation conference. The respondent must file a response within 28 days after service. If the respondent fails to appear or respond, the tribunal may proceed to hear the matter and make an order in your absence.
At the hearing, both parties present evidence and submissions directly to the tribunal member. There is no jury. Hearings are generally informal, and the tribunal is not bound by the rules of evidence that apply in courts. The member may make orders on the day or issue a written decision later. If you receive a favourable order and the other party does not comply, NCAT orders can be registered as judgments of the District Court and enforced through standard collection methods.
NCAT members expect organized, clear evidence. The most persuasive presentations follow a chronological structure: they tell the story of what happened in the order it happened, with documents attached to each event. Common evidence types include contracts and quotes, invoices and receipts, photographs, emails and text messages, bank statements, and any written communications with the other party.
For NSW disputes involving unpaid invoices, faulty goods or services, building and trade disputes, motor vehicle purchase disputes, and consumer contract breaches, the documentation that most often determines outcomes is whatever establishes the agreement, shows what actually happened, and proves your loss in dollars. The tribunal cannot award what you cannot prove, bring every document that supports your claim or defence. Make copies: one set for yourself, one for the other party, and one for the tribunal member.
ThreadLock's incident journal lets you log events as they happen with date and time stamps and attached photos or documents. The timeline builder assembles those entries into a chronological view of your case. The exhibit export tool labels and numbers your documents into a court-ready PDF packet, which you can hand to the tribunal member at the start of your hearing.
What is the maximum I can claim at NCAT in New South Wales?
The Consumer and Commercial Division can hear claims up to $20,000. If your actual loss exceeds this amount, you can still file but you would be waiving recovery of anything above $20,000. For larger civil disputes you would need to file in the NSW Local Court (up to $100,000) or District Court.
Do I need a lawyer to file at NCAT?
No. NCAT is specifically designed for self-represented parties. Legal practitioners may only appear with the tribunal's leave in most consumer and commercial matters, and leave is not always granted. Many people resolve these disputes successfully without any legal representation.
What does it cost to file a claim at NCAT?
Filing fees are $54–$220 depending on claim amount. Concession card holders qualify for reduced fees. If you win your case, the tribunal may order the respondent to reimburse your filing fee as part of the order.
What happens if I win but the other party refuses to comply with the order?
An NCAT order for payment of money can be registered as a judgment of the NSW District Court. Once registered, you can use court enforcement tools such as garnishing wages, levying a bank account, or placing a charge on property. The NCAT registry can advise on the registration process.
What if the respondent does not respond or attend the hearing?
If the respondent was properly served and does not appear, you can ask the tribunal to proceed in their absence. The tribunal will require you to present your evidence even without opposition. A default order made in absence has the same legal force as an order made after a contested hearing.
ThreadLock helps you document incidents, organize evidence, and prepare court-ready materials, so you walk in prepared.
We use essential cookies to make this site work, and optional cookies to improve it. See our Privacy Policy.