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Georgia offers a statewide senior school tax exemption, and Chatham County’s local version goes further — a meaningful benefit for retirees on a fixed income, since the school portion is typically the largest line on a Chatham property tax bill.
Who Qualifies
- Age 62 or older as of January 1 of the tax year
- Own and occupy the home as your primary residence
- Household net income (as defined by Georgia law — Social Security and most retirement income is excluded) reported at $25,000 or less
Under this test, an exemption of up to $30,000 of assessed value can be applied against the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) portion of your tax bill. Because most retirees relying primarily on Social Security and a modest pension fall under Georgia’s net income test even when their total gross income is higher, it’s worth applying even if your income looks too high on paper — the county tax office can walk through the calculation with you.
Georgia’s baseline statewide senior exemption (O.C.G.A. §48-5-52) separately provides $10,000 off assessed value for school purposes to those 62+ with net income under $10,000; Chatham County’s local exemption is more generous and is the one most Chatham homeowners will use once approved.
How and When to Apply
File with the Chatham County Board of Assessors, 222 West Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 113, Savannah, GA 31401, (912) 652-7271. Deadline: April 1 of the tax year. Bring:
- Georgia driver’s license or ID showing the property address
- Prior-year federal and state income tax returns
- Social Security award letter or 1099, if applicable
You must already have (or apply concurrently for) a standard homestead exemption on the property. Once approved, most senior exemptions renew automatically as long as you continue to qualify; if your income later rises above the threshold, you’re expected to notify the tax office.
Because exact income calculations and thresholds can be adjusted by local legislation, confirm current-year figures directly with the Chatham County Board of Assessors (912-652-7271) before you apply. Have questions about how this affects your home search or budget? Contact us.
