Homeowners in Chatham County, Georgia may qualify for meaningful property tax savings through the homestead exemption, but filing at the right time is just as important as filing correctly.
This guide explains how the Chatham County Homestead Exemption works, who qualifies, how to apply, and what homeowners in Savannah, Pooler, Port Wentworth, Garden City, and surrounding communities should know—especially when it comes to the Stephens-Day Exemption, which can permanently impact assessed property value.
Whether you recently purchased a home or have owned one for years, understanding these rules can help you avoid costly mistakes and maximize long-term savings.
As regional growth continues across coastal Georgia, homeowners are paying closer attention to property taxes and exemptions.
What Is the Homestead Exemption in Chatham County?
The homestead exemption in Chatham County reduces the taxable value of a homeowner’s primary residence, which can lower annual property taxes. While the exemption itself is established under Georgia law, the amount of savings depends on local tax rates set by Chatham County, municipalities, and school districts.
Chatham County offers:
- A standard homestead exemption
- Additional exemptions for qualifying seniors
- Disability-based exemptions
- Veteran exemptions
- Income-based exemptions in certain cases
Who Qualifies for the Chatham County Homestead Exemption?
To qualify, homeowners must:
- Own the property
- Occupy it as their primary residence
- Live in the home as of January 1 of the tax year
- Apply by the county filing deadline
Each exemption type may require specific documentation, and eligibility varies depending on age, disability status, veteran status, and income.
How and When to Apply for Homestead Exemption in Chatham County
Most homeowners must apply on or before April 1 of the year they are seeking the exemption.
Applications may be submitted:
- Online through the Chatham County Board of Assessors system
- In person or by mail through the Tax Assessor’s Office
If you miss the deadline, the exemption generally applies to the following tax year.
Chatham County Tax Assessor & qPublic Resources
Homeowners should rely on official county resources for filing and verification:
These tools allow homeowners to:
- Review property records
- Check current appraised values
- File homestead exemptions online
- Confirm exemption status
Cities and Communities Covered by Chatham County
The Chatham County Homestead Exemption may apply to qualifying homeowners in the following cities and communities:
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Savannah
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Pooler
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Port Wentworth
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Garden City
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Bloomingdale
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Tybee Island
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Thunderbolt
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Vernonburg
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Montgomery
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Georgetown
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Dutch Island
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Skidaway Island
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Isle of Hope
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Wilmington Island
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Whitemarsh Island
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Talahi Island
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Unincorporated areas of Chatham County
Property tax rates and exemptions may vary slightly by municipality and school district.
The Stephens-Day Exemption in Chatham County (Very Important)
When you file for a homestead exemption in Chatham County, you also activate a long-term tax protection known as the Stephens-Day Exemption.
The Stephens-Day Exemption stabilizes your home’s assessed value, helping prevent sharp increases in property taxes over time as long as:
- The home remains your primary residence, and
- You do not significantly modify the property through permitted improvements
Because this exemption locks in an assessed value, filing at the wrong time can permanently increase your tax burden.
When You Should Wait to File the Homestead Exemption
If you purchased a home in Chatham County and the county’s current appraised value is higher than what you paid, filing immediately may lock in an assessed value above your purchase price.
Before filing, homeowners should:
- Visit the Chatham County Board of Assessors website
- Search for their property record
- Review the Appraised Total listed on the Property Record Card
If the appraised value is meaningfully higher than your purchase price, it may be wise to wait until the county updates the value to reflect what you paid. In many cases, this occurs when the Annual Notice of Assessment is mailed the following year.
Once the appraised value aligns with the purchase price, filing for the homestead exemption can protect that lower value going forward.
When You Should File Right Away
Filing promptly is usually recommended if:
- The appraised value is equal to or less than your purchase price
- The property is not new construction, or
- You qualify for a larger exemption (such as disability or veteran exemptions) that outweighs timing concerns
In these situations, filing allows homeowners to benefit from both tax savings and long-term assessed-value protection sooner.
Special Considerations for New Construction Homes
New construction homes are often initially assessed at land value only. Homeowners should still file for the homestead exemption, but must carefully review the next Annual Notice of Assessment, which will include the completed structure.
If the updated assessment exceeds the purchase price, homeowners may need to appeal the valuation before the Stephens-Day value becomes permanent.
Legal Insight from a Savannah Real Estate Attorney
Because the Stephens-Day Exemption can have long-term tax consequences, legal guidance is valuable. Savannah real estate attorney Joel Gerber provides an in-depth explanation of homestead exemptions, assessed values, and filing timing considerations for Chatham County homeowners.
👉 Recommended legal resource:
Homestead Exemption and Happy New Year – Joel Gerber
https://savannahrealestatelawyer.com/2026/01/homestead-exemption-and-happy-new-year-2/
This article offers helpful legal context that complements county-level filing instructions.
How Chatham County’s Homestead Exemption Fits into Georgia Law
Although administered locally, the Chatham County Homestead Exemption operates within Georgia’s statewide property tax framework. Eligibility rules are consistent statewide, but exemption amounts and assessed-value impacts vary by county.
For a complete overview of statewide rules, see our guide here:
👉 Georgia Homestead Exemption Guide
Buying a Home in Chatham County? What Buyers Should Know
Homebuyers should factor homestead exemptions and Stephens-Day protections into long-term affordability planning. Filing at the correct time after purchasing a primary residence can significantly reduce future property taxes.
Buyers should:
- Review appraised values before filing
- Understand January 1 occupancy rules
- Monitor Annual Notices of Assessment
- Seek professional guidance when needed
Final Notes
This page is intended to provide general educational information. Because property tax rules and assessments can vary by situation, homeowners should always verify details with the Chatham County Tax Assessor or qualified legal professionals.