Chatham County, GA: homestead & property-tax exemptions

How to claim property-tax exemptions in Chatham County (Savannah area): who qualifies, the deadline, where to file, documents, re-filing and appeals.

Last checked 2026-10-21 · 3 official sources

Exemptions available

• Homestead exemption, special exemptions based on age, income, and disability, and a Stephens-Day exemption (base-year valuation freeze). ^[1]

Statewide exemption details: Georgia guide.

Who qualifies

• You must own and occupy a home and the land it sits on as your permanent residence as of January 1. Only one homestead is allowed per immediate family group, rental property doesn't qualify, and only residents whose name is on the title can file. ^[1]

Deadline

• Applications made on or before the 45-day appeal due date on that year's notice of assessment count for the current year. Later applications are considered for the next year. Filing outside the designated times waives the exemption for that year. ^[1]

Where and how to file

• Applications must be completed in person by the property owner, unless another party has power of attorney. ^[1]

Documents needed

• A valid Georgia driver's license or Georgia ID card, and registration for vehicles owned by and registered to the applicant. Staff may also ask for a prior-year utility bill or Chatham County voter registration. ^[1]
• Special exemptions: documents such as federal and state income tax returns, a DD214, or a VA letter documenting 100% disability. ^[1]

Do you need to re-file?

• Automatic renewal of homestead exemptions applies only to the home originally exempted. ^[1]

Appeal deadline

• Georgia rule: written appeal to the Board of Tax Assessors within 45 days of the assessment notice (Form PT-311A). ^[2]

Population: 307,336 (July 1, 2024 estimate) ^[3]

Other Georgia counties

• Fulton County
• Gwinnett County
• Cobb County
• DeKalb County