Chatham County Property Tax: Rates, Appeals & How to Save (2026)
Learn about Chatham County property tax rates (1.35%), how to appeal your assessment, and available exemptions. Median home value: $302,700. 45-day deadline.
Key Takeaways
Tax rate: Chatham County's combined millage rate is 3.371%.Median home value: $302,700 (300,879 residents).Median annual tax bill: $2,541.Appeal deadline: 45 days from the date on your assessment notice — strictly enforced.Potential savings: A $50,000 reduction saves ~$674/year, or ~$2,022 over 3 years with the 299c freeze.
Chatham County is home to Savannah, one of the most visited cities in the South, and its real estate market reflects that — the median home value sits at $302,700, nearly double the statewide figure. Combined with one of the higher effective rates in Georgia at 1.35%, the typical annual tax bill lands at $2,541. With that much money on the line, it's worth understanding how assessments work and what you can do if yours is inflated. This guide covers the full process.
How Property Taxes Work in Chatham County
The combined property tax rate in Chatham County, Georgia is 3.371% as of 2024, applied to 40% of fair market value per Georgia DOR rules. The median home is valued at $302,700, producing an estimated annual tax bill of $4,081.
Here is how the math works for the median Chatham County home:
Fair Market Value (county assessment): $302,700
Assessed Value ($302,700 x 0.40): $121,080
Tax Rate (Chatham County combined rate): 3.371%
Annual Tax Bill ($121,080 x 3.371%): $4,081
The Census Bureau reports a median annual tax bill of $2,541 for Chatham County, which includes all levies (county, school, and special district).
The median home in Chatham County is valued 77% above the statewide median of $170,200.
How to Appeal Your Chatham County Assessment
Homeowners in Chatham County have 45 days from the date of the assessment notice from their assessment notice to file a property tax appeal using the PT-311A form.
Georgia gives you exactly 45 days from the date of the assessment notice to file a written appeal. This deadline is strictly enforced — one day late and you lose your right to appeal for the entire year. The deadline counts from the date printed on your notice, not from when you received it.
You can file by mail (certified mail recommended), online through the assessor's portal, or in person. When you file, you must choose an appeal path — the Board of Equalization (BOE) is recommended for most homeowners. For a full walkthrough of appeal paths, evidence strategies, and hearing preparation, see our Georgia Property Tax Appeal Guide.
Exemptions reduce your taxable assessed value before the millage rate is applied. All exemptions require a one-time application by April 1. You can apply for exemptions and file an appeal at the same time — they are separate processes.
Homestead Exemption
Eligibility: Must own and occupy the home as your primary residence as of January 1. Must file by April 1.
Savings: $2,000 off assessed value (standard)
Senior Homestead Exemption
Eligibility: Must be 62 or 65+ (varies by county), own and occupy the home, and meet income limits in some counties.
Savings: Varies by county — some exempt 100% of school taxes
Veteran/Disabled Veteran Exemption
Eligibility: Must have a service-connected disability rating from the VA. 100% disabled veterans get the largest exemption.
Savings: Up to $109,986 off assessed value (100% disabled)
Disability Exemption
Eligibility: Must be certified as totally and permanently disabled. Income limits may apply in some counties.
Savings: Varies by county
How Much Can You Save in Chatham County?
If your home is overvalued by $25,000
You save $337 per year
With the 299c freeze: $1,011 over 3 years
If your home is overvalued by $50,000
You save $674 per year
With the 299c freeze: $2,022 over 3 years
If your home is overvalued by $100,000
You save $1,348 per year
With the 299c freeze: $4,044 over 3 years
Based on a combined tax rate of 3.371%. Your actual rate may vary by tax district.
A successful appeal also triggers Georgia's 299c value freeze, which locks in your lower assessment for three years — tripling your savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline to appeal my Chatham County property tax assessment?
You have 45 days from the date of the assessment notice. The clock starts from the date printed on the notice, not when you receive it. File early — online portals in metro counties can experience heavy traffic near the deadline.
What form do I need to file a Chatham County appeal?
The PT-311A form from the Georgia Department of Revenue. You can file online, by mail (certified mail recommended), or in person at the Chatham County Board of Assessors.
Are Chatham County BOE hearings held virtually?
Most metro counties in Georgia now offer virtual hearings in addition to in-person options. Contact the Chatham County Board of Equalization to confirm. For virtual hearings, submit all evidence by email at least 48 hours in advance.
How long does the Chatham County appeal process take?
In metro counties, BOE hearing backlogs can stretch the process to 3-6 months from filing to decision. The Board of Assessors has up to 90 days to review your appeal before forwarding it to the BOE.
My home value jumped 20% or more — is that normal?
In fast-growing metro counties like Chatham, assessment increases of 15-25% have been common in recent years. However, a large increase does not mean the county's number is correct. Compare your assessed value per square foot to actual recent sales in your neighborhood.
Can my property tax go up if I appeal?
No. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 48-5-311) protects you: the county cannot raise your assessed value above what they originally set just because you filed an appeal. The Board of Equalization only rules on the disputed value. Worst case, your appeal is denied and you keep your current assessment — your taxes will not increase as a result of appealing.