AppealDesk

Chatham County Property Tax Appeal, Georgia

Travis BunnTravis Bunn·Updated July 22, 2026

Chatham County, Georgia, with Savannah as its county seat, is home to over 314,000 residents as of 2026 and encompasses major cities including Pooler, Tybee Island, Port Wentworth, Garden City, and Bloomingdale. Property tax appeals are particularly important here as the county's median effective property tax rate of approximately 0.97-1.06% translates to a median annual tax bill of around $2,856, which is above the national median of $2,400. The county's median home value of approximately $239,400 is above the Georgia state median, making proper assessment crucial for homeowners facing rising coastal property values.

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

Median Home

$239,400

Tax Rate

1.06%

Annual Tax

$2,856

On the typical Chatham County home, valued near $239,400 at the county’s effective tax rate of 1.06%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you appeal it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

2026 Appeal Deadline: 45 days from the postmarked date on your Notice of Assessment, or April 1st (whichever is later)

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. For 2026, assessment notices were mailed on June 16, 2026, making the deadline July 31, 2026. It's crucial to mark your calendar when you receive your assessment notice to ensure you don't miss this window.

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Rocking chairs on a Georgia front porch. Chatham County 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 (typically mailed in mid-June)

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 $2,537 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.06%. The millage rate is then applied to this assessed value after any exemptions are deducted.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Equalization. At your Board of Equalization hearing, you'll present your case to a panel of three trained board members who are Chatham County property owners. The hearing is free and informal, the board will listen to both the county appraiser's presentation and your evidence, then deliberate and render a decision. You may reschedule once with at least five business days' notice, and you can have a representative appear on your behalf with written authorization.

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Step 1: Obtain the Georgia Uniform Appeal Form (PT-311A) from https://boa.chathamcountyga.gov/forms or pick it up in person at the Board of Assessors office at 222 West Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 113, Savannah.

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Step 2: Complete the appeal form with your property information, current assessed value, your opinion of fair market value, and grounds for appeal (such as overvaluation, lack of uniformity, or errors in property description). Calculate your deadline as 45 days from the postmarked date on your Notice of Assessment.

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Step 3: Gather supporting evidence including comparable sales from your neighborhood (within 6-12 months), recent appraisals, photographs showing property condition, repair estimates for any damage or needed work, and property record cards from the assessor showing similar homes with lower assessments.

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Step 4: File your completed appeal form and supporting documentation by mail to P.O. Box 9786, Savannah, GA 31412, or hand-deliver to 222 West Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 113. Ensure it is postmarked or delivered before the 45-day deadline expires.

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Step 5: Attend your Board of Equalization hearing when scheduled. You will present your case to a three-member panel who will also hear the county appraiser's presentation. Hearings are free and informal, and you may bring representatives or legal counsel.

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Step 6: Receive the Board's written decision by mail within days of the hearing. If you disagree with the Board of Equalization decision, you have 30 days to appeal to Chatham County Superior Court.

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Step 7: If still unsatisfied after Superior Court, you may appeal to the Georgia State Board of Equalization or pursue further judicial remedies through the Georgia court system.

Required form: Georgia Uniform Appeal Form (PT-311A)

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, Pete Liakakis Government Building, Savannah, GA 31401
online:Chatham County does not currently accept property tax appeals online. Forms must be downloaded from https://boa.chathamcountyga.gov/forms and submitted by mail or in person.

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data from your neighborhoodRecent professional appraisalPhotographs of property condition (interior and exterior)Repair estimates or contractor bidsProperty record cards showing similar homesDocumentation of property errors or defects

Chatham County Assessor Contact

Chatham County Board of Assessors

Phone: (912) 652-7271

Address: 222 West Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 113, Pete Liakakis Government Building, Savannah, GA 31401

Website: https://boa.chathamcountyga.gov/

Online Portal: https://qpublic.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?App=ChathamCountyGA&PageType=Search

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

Tax Exemptions in Chatham County

Stephens-Day Homestead Exemption

Variable based on property value increase since base year

Unique to Chatham County, this floating exemption freezes your home's taxable value at the base year value (the year prior to claiming the exemption), providing protection from property value increases. The exemption amount equals the difference between your current fair market value and your frozen base year value.

Eligibility: Must own and occupy property as primary residence as of January 1. Property must be in applicant's name on title. Only one homestead per family. Not available for rental property.Deadline: April 1, or within 45 days of receiving Notice of Assessment under HB 581

Standard State Homestead Exemption

$2,000 off assessed value (statewide minimum)

Georgia's basic homestead exemption reduces the assessed value subject to county, school, and state taxes.

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the home as primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year. Valid Georgia driver's license or ID and vehicle registration with matching address required.Deadline: April 1, or within 45 days of receiving Notice of Assessment

Senior Citizen Exemption

Varies by age and income - contact assessor for specific amounts

Additional homestead exemptions are available for qualifying senior citizens based on age and income. Many local jurisdictions in Chatham County offer enhanced senior exemptions beyond the state $2,000 standard.

Eligibility: Age 62 or 65+ depending on specific exemption. Income limits may apply. Must have standard homestead exemption first.Deadline: April 1

Disabled Veteran Exemption

$121,812 (2025-2026 amount, adjusted annually by VA index)

100% service-connected disabled veterans and their unremarried surviving spouses receive substantial property tax exemptions on their homestead from all ad valorem taxes for state, county, municipal, and school purposes.

Eligibility: Must be verified by VA as 100% permanently and totally disabled or receiving 100% unemployability benefits, or entitled to statutory awards for loss of limbs or vision. Must be Georgia resident and occupy property as homestead. Unremarried surviving spouses also qualify.Deadline: April 1

Surviving Spouse of Service Member Exemption

$60,000 plus additional indexed amount (total approximately $181,812 for 2025)

The unremarried surviving spouse of a U.S. service member killed in or died as a result of any war or armed conflict receives a substantial exemption.

Eligibility: Unremarried surviving spouse of service member killed in action or died as result of service in armed conflict. Must occupy property as homestead.Deadline: April 1

Chatham County Appeal Packet · $49

Comparable sales evidence, county-specific filing guide, and professional cover letter. Enter your address to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Chatham County for 2026?
The deadline to appeal your property tax assessment in Chatham County is 45 days from the postmarked date on your annual Notice of Assessment, or April 1st, whichever is later. For 2026, the Board of Assessors mailed assessment notices on June 16, 2026, making the appeal deadline July 31, 2026. This deadline is strictly enforced, and if you miss it, you lose your right to appeal for that tax year. It's crucial to mark your calendar immediately upon receiving your assessment notice and begin gathering your evidence right away to ensure you file on time.
How do I file a property tax appeal in Chatham County?
To file a property tax appeal in Chatham County, you must obtain the Georgia Uniform Appeal Form (PT-311A) from https://boa.chathamcountyga.gov/forms or pick it up at the Board of Assessors office at 222 West Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 113. Complete the form with your property details, current assessed value, your opinion of value, and grounds for appeal. Chatham County does not accept online appeals, so you must either mail your completed form to P.O. Box 9786, Savannah, GA 31412, or hand-deliver it to the office address. Make sure to include supporting evidence such as comparable sales, photographs, and appraisals. The form must be postmarked or delivered within 45 days of your assessment notice date.
What is the Stephens-Day exemption in Chatham County and how much can it save me?
The Stephens-Day exemption is a unique Chatham County homestead exemption considered one of the best in Georgia, which freezes your home's taxable value at the base year (the year before you applied). The exemption amount equals 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 received the exemption and is now valued at $300,000, you save taxes on that $100,000 difference. At the county's effective tax rate of approximately 1.06%, this would save you about $1,060 annually, with savings growing as property values continue to rise. This provides significant long-term protection against rising property taxes in Chatham County's appreciating real estate market.
What happens at a Board of Equalization hearing in Chatham County?
At a Chatham County Board of Equalization hearing, you will present your case to a panel of three trained board members who are local property owners. The hearing is free and relatively informal. First, the county appraiser will present their case for the current assessment, then you will have the opportunity to present your evidence and arguments for a lower value. You should bring comparable sales data, photographs, appraisals, repair estimates, and any other documentation supporting your opinion of value. The board members will ask questions of both parties, then deliberate and render a decision. You will receive their written decision by mail shortly after the hearing. You may reschedule your hearing once with at least five business days' notice, and you can bring a representative or attorney to appear on your behalf.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Chatham County?
The amount you can save by appealing your property taxes in Chatham County depends on how overassessed your property is and whether you achieve a successful appeal. On the typical Chatham County home valued near $239,400 at the county's effective tax rate of 1.06%, even a 10% reduction in assessed value would save you approximately $254 per year. However, if your appeal is successful, you may also receive a three-year value freeze under Georgia's 299C protection, which prevents the county from raising your assessment for three years. Over time, these savings compound significantly, especially in Chatham County's appreciating real estate market. Additionally, the Stephens-Day exemption can provide substantial ongoing savings by freezing your base taxable value permanently.
What evidence do I need for a successful Chatham County property tax appeal?
For a successful property tax appeal in Chatham County, you should gather several types of evidence. The most important is comparable sales data from your neighborhood, find at least three to five similar homes that sold within the past 6-12 months for less than your assessed value. A recent professional appraisal (within the past year) is also very persuasive. Take photographs of your property showing any defects, needed repairs, or conditions that reduce value. Obtain contractor estimates for any necessary repairs or renovations. You can also request property record cards from the assessor's office showing similar homes with lower assessments to demonstrate lack of uniformity. Finally, document any errors in your property record, such as incorrect square footage, extra bathrooms that don't exist, or other inaccuracies that inflate your assessment.
Can I appeal my Chatham County property taxes online?
No, Chatham County does not currently accept property tax appeals online. While you can download the Georgia Uniform Appeal Form (PT-311A) from the Board of Assessors website at https://boa.chathamcountyga.gov/forms, you must submit the completed form and supporting documentation either by mail or in person. Mail your appeal to Chatham County Board of Assessors, P.O. Box 9786, Savannah, GA 31412, or hand-deliver it to their office at 222 West Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 113, in the Pete Liakakis Government Building. Make sure your appeal is postmarked or delivered within 45 days of the date on your Notice of Assessment to preserve your appeal rights.
What is Georgia's 40% assessment ratio and how does it affect my Chatham County property taxes?
Georgia law requires that all residential property be assessed at 40% of its fair market value, as established in the Georgia Constitution. This means if your home's fair market value is $300,000, your assessed value for tax purposes would be $120,000 (40% of $300,000). The county, city, and school board millage rates are then applied to this assessed value to calculate your tax bill. In Chatham County, with a combined effective rate of approximately 1.06%, that $120,000 assessed value would result in about $1,272 in annual property taxes. Understanding this distinction between market value and assessed value is crucial when appealing, you need to prove the fair market value is lower, which will then automatically reduce your 40% assessed value and your tax bill.

Official Resources

Chatham County Board of Assessors Official Website →

Access assessment information, download appeal forms, view property records, and learn about exemptions directly from the county assessor.

Chatham County Board of Equalization →

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

Chatham County Property Records Search →

Search and view detailed property records, assessments, sales history, and tax information for any property in Chatham County.

Georgia Department of Revenue - Chatham County Property Tax Facts →

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

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

Barrow County (Winder)Bibb County (Macon)Bryan County (Richmond Hill)Carroll County (Carrollton)Cherokee County (Canton)Clayton County (Jonesboro)
← All Georgia property tax appeal info

Sources: https://boa.chathamcountyga.gov/ | https://equalization.chathamcountyga.gov/ | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/georgia/chatham-county | https://dor.georgia.gov/county-property-tax-facts-chatham | https://www.wtoc.com/2026/06/18/chatham-county-extends-property-tax-exemption-filing-deadline-july-31/ | https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-counties/georgia/chatham-county

Last verified: 2026-07-22