AppealDesk

Chatham County Property Tax Appeal — Georgia

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 15, 2026

Chatham County, Georgia, with Savannah as its county seat, is home to over 295,000 residents and encompasses notable cities including Pooler, Tybee Island, and Port Wentworth. Property tax appeals are particularly important here as the county's median property tax rate of 0.97% translates to approximately $1,873 annually for a median home value of $239,400, which is below the national median of $2,400. Despite being below national averages, rising property values in this historic coastal region make understanding the appeal process crucial for homeowners seeking to ensure fair assessments.

Notable cities: Savannah, Pooler, Tybee Island, Port Wentworth, Bloomingdale, Thunderbolt, Garden City, Vernonburg

Median Home

$239,400

Tax Rate

0.97%

Annual Tax

$1,873

Population

295,000

2026 Appeal Deadline: 45 days from the postmarked date on the assessment notice

Property owners must file their appeal within 45 days of the postmarked date on their annual Notice of Assessment. Appeals can also be filed by April 1st, whichever occurs later. Under new HB 92 legislation, homeowners can also apply for homestead exemptions during this 45-day appeal window.

Property in Chatham County, Georgia — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Chatham County Assesses Property

40%of market value

Assessed by: Chatham County Board of Assessors

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: April-May

In Chatham County, property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value, which is 40% of the property's fair market value as determined by the Board of Assessors. For example, if your home's market value is $239,400 (the county median), at Georgia's 40% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $95,760, resulting in approximately $928 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 0.97%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Equalization. The Board of Equalization consists of three members from Chatham County's boards who will listen to both the county appraiser's presentation and your evidence. Hearings are free, and you should bring documentation such as comparable property values, photographs, appraisals, or repair estimates.

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Step 1: Obtain the Georgia Uniform Appeal Form from https://boa.chathamcountyga.gov/forms or pick up at the Board of Assessors office

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Step 2: Complete the form declaring your grounds for appeal (value, uniformity, taxability, or exemption denial) and choose your appeal method (Board of Equalization, Arbitration, or Hearing Officer for qualifying properties)

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Step 3: Submit your appeal within 45 days of the assessment notice postmark date via mail or hand-delivery to the Board of Assessors

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Step 4: The Board of Assessors reviews your appeal and may offer an informal resolution - if accepted and value is reduced, you may receive a 299C freeze (3-year value protection)

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Step 5: If no resolution is reached, attend your scheduled Board of Equalization hearing with supporting evidence such as comparable sales, photographs, repair estimates, or appraisals

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Step 6: Receive the Board's decision - if unsatisfied, you have 30 days to appeal to Chatham County Superior Court

Required form: Georgia Uniform Appeal Form (available at https://boa.chathamcountyga.gov/forms)

Filing Methods

mail:Mail to: Chatham County Board of Assessors, P.O. Box 9786, Savannah, GA 31412
in-person:Hand-deliver to: 222 West Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 113, Savannah, GA 31401 (Pete Liakakis Government Building)

Evidence to Bring

Evidence of purchase priceRecent appraisalsPhotographs of interior, exterior, and surrounding areaEvidence of comparable sale pricesRepair estimates or documentation of property defectsIncome/expense information for rental properties

Chatham County Assessor Contact

Chatham County Board of Assessors

Phone: (912) 652-7271

Address: 222 West Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 113, Savannah, GA 31401

Website: https://boa.chathamcountyga.gov

Online Portal: https://www.chathamtax.org

Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday - Friday

Tax Exemptions in Chatham County

Stephens-Day Homestead Exemption

Difference between current fair market value and adjusted base year value

A floating exemption that freezes your property value at the base year value (year before homestead application), protecting against value increases

Eligibility: Owner-occupied primary residence as of January 1Deadline: April 1 (or during 45-day appeal window under HB 92)

Senior Exemption (65+)

$4,000 off assessed value

Additional exemption for seniors with income restrictions

Eligibility: Age 65 or older with household income under $10,000 (excluding certain retirement income)Deadline: April 1

Disabled Veteran Exemption

Variable amount updated annually

Exemption for veterans with 100% service-connected disability

Eligibility: 100% service-connected disabled veterans or those receiving compensation at 100% rateDeadline: April 1

City of Port Wentworth Homestead

$40,000 off assessed value

Additional exemption for Port Wentworth residents

Eligibility: Owner-occupied primary residence within Port Wentworth city limitsDeadline: April 1

Official Resources

Chatham County Board of Assessors Official Website →

Access appeal forms, exemption applications, property records, and contact information for the Board of Assessors.

Chatham County Property Search Portal →

Search property records, view tax bills, check assessment values, and access property record cards online.

Georgia Department of Revenue - Chatham County Tax Facts →

State-maintained resource providing county-specific property tax information, exemptions, and filing requirements.

Chatham County Board of Equalization →

Learn about the appeal hearing process, board members, and what to expect during your property tax appeal hearing.

Chatham County Appeal Statistics

Success Rate

43.5%

% Who Appeal

2.7%

Check Your Chatham County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Chatham County?
The deadline to appeal your property tax assessment in Chatham County is 45 days from the postmarked date on your annual Notice of Assessment. You can also appeal by April 1st if that date is later. Under the new HB 92 legislation passed in 2026, you can also apply for homestead exemptions during this same 45-day appeal window, but applications must be submitted in person during this time. It's crucial to mark your calendar when you receive your assessment notice, typically mailed in April-May.
How do I file a property tax appeal in Chatham County online?
Currently, Chatham County does not accept property tax appeals online. Appeals must be filed either by mail to the Board of Assessors at P.O. Box 9786, Savannah, GA 31412, or hand-delivered to their office at 222 West Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 113 in the Pete Liakakis Government Building. You can download the Georgia Uniform Appeal Form from https://boa.chathamcountyga.gov/forms, but the completed form must be submitted physically. The online portal at https://chathamtax.org is available for viewing property records and tax information, but not for filing appeals.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Chatham County?
Chatham County offers the Stephens-Day Homestead Exemption, considered one of the best in Georgia, which freezes your property value at the base year (the year before you applied for homestead). This floating exemption saves you the difference between your current fair market value and your frozen base year value. For example, if your home was worth $200,000 when you got the exemption and is now valued at $250,000, you save taxes on that $50,000 difference. At the county's 0.97% effective tax rate, this could save you approximately $485 annually, with savings growing as property values increase.
What happens at a Board of Equalization hearing in Chatham County?
At a Chatham County Board of Equalization hearing, you'll present your case to a panel of three board members who are property owners trained in assessment appeals. The hearing is free and informal - first, the county appraiser presents their assessment rationale, then you present your evidence such as comparable sales, photos, or appraisals. The board members may ask questions about your property or evidence. You'll receive a verbal decision at the hearing's conclusion, followed by written notification. If the board reduces your value, you may qualify for a 299C freeze, which locks in the reduced value for three years.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Chatham County?
Based on data showing that 43.5% of appeals in Chatham County result in settlements or withdrawals before hearings, many property owners do achieve reductions. If your appeal is successful and your property value is reduced, you not only save on current year taxes but may also qualify for a 299C freeze, locking in the lower value for three years. For a typical home valued at $239,400, even a 10% reduction would lower your assessed value by $9,576, saving approximately $93 annually at the 0.97% effective rate, or $279 over the three-year freeze period.
What evidence do I need for a Chatham County property tax appeal?
For a successful property tax appeal in Chatham County, you should gather evidence that demonstrates your property is overvalued compared to similar properties. Essential evidence includes recent sales data of comparable homes in your neighborhood (within the last 6-12 months), photographs showing any defects or needed repairs, professional appraisals if available, and repair estimates from licensed contractors. For income-producing properties, bring rent rolls and expense statements. The Board of Assessors specifically invites current sales transaction information and photos of similar properties that have sold recently. Having 3-5 solid comparable sales is typically more effective than numerous weak comparisons.
Can I appeal my property taxes if I have a 299C freeze in Chatham County?
Yes, you can appeal even with a 299C freeze, but be aware that filing an appeal may result in the removal of your current 299C value protection. Under new legislation (HB 581 and HB 92), if you appeal and don't receive a value reduction, you'll lose the freeze and your property could be reassessed at a higher value. However, if your appeal is successful and results in a reduction, you'll receive a new three-year 299C freeze at the lower value. The Board of Assessors may offer an informal resolution to avoid removing your freeze, so carefully consider whether potential savings outweigh the risk of losing your current protection.
What are the different appeal methods available in Chatham County?
Chatham County offers three appeal methods you must choose when filing. First, the Board of Equalization hearing is free and available to all property owners. Second, Binding Arbitration requires you to submit a certified appraisal within 45 days at your expense, plus a $25 filing fee - if the Board accepts your appraisal, that becomes the final value. Third, a Hearing Officer option is only available for non-homestead properties valued over $500,000, where a certified appraiser serves as the hearing officer. Most residential homeowners use the Board of Equalization option as it's free and doesn't require hiring professionals upfront.

For state-wide appeal information including Georgia's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Georgia Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More Georgia Counties

Cherokee County (Canton)Clayton County (Jonesboro)Cobb County (Marietta)DeKalb County (Decatur)Forsyth County (Cumming)Fulton County (Atlanta)
← All Georgia property tax appeal info

Sources: https://boa.chathamcountyga.gov/ | https://dor.georgia.gov/county-property-tax-facts-chatham | https://equalization.chathamcountyga.gov/ | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/georgia/chatham-county | https://boa.chathamcountyga.gov/Exemptions

Last verified: 2026-02-15