Nevada Small Claims Judgment Interest Rate: How Post-Judgment Interest Works

You won your small claims case and the judge awarded you $4,500, but the defendant is dragging their feet. Every month that passes, interest accrues on top of the judgment — and knowing how Nevada calculates that interest matters for collection.

The Statutory Interest Rate

Under NRS 17.130, when no rate is provided by contract or otherwise by law, or specified in the judgment, the rate is the prime rate at the largest bank in Nevada on January 1 or July 1 immediately preceding the date of judgment, plus two percent per annum. The rate adjusts on each January 1 and July 1 until the judgment is satisfied.

If your contract specifies a legal interest rate, that contractual rate governs instead of the statutory formula. This comes up most often in promissory notes, commercial invoices with late-payment terms, and lease agreements that include a late-fee interest clause.

Pre-Judgment vs. Post-Judgment Interest

Pre-judgment interest and post-judgment interest are different calculations that cover different periods.

Pre-judgment interest accrues from the date the debt became due (or the date the lawsuit was served, depending on the claim type) through the date the judge enters the judgment. Whether the court awards pre-judgment interest depends on the nature of the claim. Contract claims with a specific amount due on a specific date (a liquidated debt) are strong candidates. Claims where the judge has to calculate damages — like the cost to repair property damage — may not receive pre-judgment interest.

Under NRS 17.130, a judgment ordinarily draws interest from the date the summons and complaint are served until satisfied; any amount representing future damages draws interest from entry of judgment. The statute does not require a separate request for interest.

How to Calculate the Amount

For an estimate, multiply the judgment amount by the annual rate for each accrual period, divide by 365, and multiply by the number of days in that period. Add the period subtotals, using the statutory accrual date and separating any periods that cross a January 1 or July 1 rate adjustment.

For example, on a $4,500 judgment amount accruing interest at a constant 10.5 percent for 182 days: $4,500 multiplied by 0.105 equals $472.50 per year, or roughly $1.29 per day. For that 182-day period, interest adds approximately $235.

Interest and Collection

When you file for a writ of execution or wage garnishment to collect a judgment, include the accrued interest in your calculation. The court clerk or the constable enforcing the writ will want to see the total amount owed, including the original judgment, costs, and accumulated interest.

Keep a running ledger of interest accrual so you can present an accurate figure to the court at any point during collection. The defendant is entitled to know the exact amount they owe, and an organized calculation avoids disputes over the balance.

When Interest Does Not Apply

NRS 17.130 covers judgments for debt, damages, or costs, and NRS 18.120 directs the clerk to add assessed costs to the judgment. Use the amounts and dates shown in the entered judgment rather than excluding costs categorically. Interest continues until the judgment is satisfied.

If the defendant appeals and posts an appeal bond, interest may still accrue on the original judgment during the appeal, but the bond secures the amount.

The complete Nevada filing guide covers the full process from filing through post-judgment collection, including how to enforce a judgment when the defendant does not pay voluntarily.

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