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Beyond the exemptions covered on their own pages — Homestead, Stephens-Day, Senior School Tax, School Tax Disability, and Disabled Veterans — the Chatham County Board of Assessors offers several additional special exemptions. Most homeowners won’t qualify for these, but if one applies to you, the savings can be significant.
Special Chatham County Exemption
A locally-legislated exemption available to qualifying homeowners on top of the standard homestead exemption. Eligibility criteria and the exempted amount are set by local legislation and can change; the Board of Assessors can confirm whether you qualify and the current benefit amount.
Unremarried Surviving Spouse of a U.S. Service Member Killed in Action
Provides a substantial exemption (based on the same statutory framework as the Disabled Veterans exemption) to the unremarried surviving spouse of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces killed in the line of duty, as long as they continue to occupy the home as their primary residence.
Unremarried Surviving Spouse of a Firefighter or Peace Officer Killed in the Line of Duty
Georgia law (O.C.G.A. §48-5-48.4) provides a full exemption from ad valorem property tax for the unremarried surviving spouse of a firefighter or law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty, applicable to their home if they continue to occupy it as their primary residence.
City of Savannah Exemption
Homeowners inside Savannah city limits may be eligible for an additional exemption applied specifically to the City of Savannah portion of their tax bill, separate from and in addition to county and school exemptions. Ask the Board of Assessors whether your property qualifies.
Floating Inflation-Proof Homestead Exemption
An alternative to Stephens-Day for qualifying homeowners age 62+ with household adjusted gross income of $30,000 or less. It freezes the assessed value used for county taxes only (not school or city) and rises only when your income exceeds the threshold. You can’t stack this with Stephens-Day or other county homestead exemptions — the Board of Assessors can help you determine which option saves you more.
Tax Deferral for the Elderly
Rather than reducing your tax bill, this program allows qualifying homeowners age 62+ to defer payment of property taxes until the home is sold or transferred, with interest accruing on the deferred balance. It’s a cash-flow tool for homeowners who are asset-rich but income-limited, not a permanent exemption.
How and When to Apply
All of these exemptions are filed with the Chatham County Board of Assessors, 222 West Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 113, Savannah, GA 31401, (912) 652-7271, by the April 1 deadline for the tax year, alongside or after your standard homestead exemption application. Required documentation varies by exemption — call ahead or ask in person which category fits your situation and what to bring.
Eligibility rules, dollar amounts, and income thresholds for these exemptions are set by state and local legislation and can change. Confirm current details with the Chatham County Board of Assessors (912-652-7271) before applying. Questions about how any of these affect your home search or budget? Contact us.
