Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Chatham County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Chatham County

In Chatham County, Georgia, property taxes are calculated by multiplying the assessed value of a parcel by the applicable tax rate, known as the “millage rate.” The assessed value is determined by the Chatham County Tax Assessor’s Office and reflects 40 % of the property’s market value, as mandated by state law. For example, a home with a market value of $300,000 will be assessed at $120,000 (40 %).

The millage rate is expressed in mills, where one mill equals $1 of tax per $1,000 of assessed value. The total rate is the sum of all levying authorities’ rates, including the county, city, school district, and special districts (e.g., water, fire). As of the most recent budget cycle, the combined millage for most residential properties in Savannah‑area Chatham County is approximately 31.7 mills (or 3.17 %). Thus, the annual tax bill for the $120,000 assessed home would be roughly $3,800.

Assessments are performed on a biennial cycle, but the tax rate can change each fiscal year based on budget decisions, referendum results, or state mandates. All property owners receive a yearly tax statement that details the assessed value, millage breakdown, and total amount due.

Available Exemptions

Georgia law provides several exemptions that directly reduce the assessed value of a property, thereby lowering the tax bill. In Chatham County, eligible owners should apply through the County Tax Assessor’s Office.

• Homestead Exemption: Reduces the assessed value by up to $2,000 for owner‑occupied primary residences. Must file a homestead declaration and provide proof of residency.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents age 62 or older may receive an additional exemption of up to $10,000, depending on income qualifications (often $5,000 for low‑income seniors and $10,000 for those with higher incomes).
• Disability Exemption: Qualified disabled persons can claim an extra exemption of $5,000. Documentation of disability status and, when required, income verification must be submitted.
• Veteran Exemptions:
  • Disabled veterans receive a $5,000 exemption for each 20% of service‑connected disability, up to a 100% exemption.
  • Surviving spouses of veterans killed in action are eligible for a full exemption on their primary residence.
  • Unmarried veterans with a service‑connected disability may receive a $5,000 exemption per 20% of disability.

All exemptions are applied to the assessed value before the millage rate is calculated, so they have a proportional impact on the final tax amount.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Chatham County property taxes are due in two installments. The due dates are fixed by state law and cannot be altered by the county.

• First Installment: November 1 – December 31 (or the last day of the month). Payments made after December 31 are subject to a 10 % penalty.
• Second Installment: May 1 – June 30. Late payments after June 30 incur a 10 % penalty plus interest calculated at the state‑prescribed rate.

Property owners may pay each installment separately or combine the two for a single payment before the second installment deadline. Payment methods include online portal, mailed check, or in‑person at the County Tax Collector’s office.

Failure to pay on time can result in additional penalties, interest, and ultimately a tax lien on the property. The County may also initiate tax foreclosure proceedings after 60 days of delinquency on the second installment.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been over‑assessed, Chatham County provides a formal appeals process.

1. File a Notice of Protest: Submit the protest form to the Tax Assessor’s Office within 30 days of the notice of assessment. Include supporting evidence such as recent comparable sales, a professional appraisal, or documentation of property defects.
2. Review by the Board of Equalization: The Board will schedule a hearing, typically within 60 days of receiving the protest. You may present testimony, evidence, and witnesses.
3. Decision: The Board issues a written decision, which can uphold, reduce, or increase the assessed value.
4. Further Appeal: If dissatisfied, you may appeal the Board’s decision to the Superior Court of Chatham County within 30 days of the written ruling.

Throughout the process, keep copies of all correspondence and maintain a clear timeline. Engaging a qualified property tax consultant or attorney can improve the likelihood of a favorable outcome.