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The homestead exemption is the foundation of property tax relief in Georgia. If you own and occupy a home in Chatham County as your primary residence, you’re eligible — and it’s the exemption that unlocks several of the other savings on this page, including the Stephens-Day value freeze.
Who Qualifies
You qualify for the Chatham County homestead exemption if you:
- Own the home and the land it sits on
- Occupy the home as your permanent, primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year
- Have your name on the deed/title
Only one homestead exemption is allowed per immediate family group, even if you own multiple homes. Rental property, second homes, and investment property do not qualify.
How and When to Apply
Applications are filed in person with the Chatham County Board of Assessors:
Chatham County Board of Assessors
222 West Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 113 (Pete Liakakis Government Building, 1st Floor)
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7271
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday
Deadline: April 1 of the tax year for which you’re claiming the exemption. Applications filed after April 1 are applied to the following tax year — Georgia law does not allow extensions. Once approved, the exemption renews automatically each year as long as you continue to own and occupy the home; you don’t need to reapply annually unless your eligibility changes.
What to bring:
- A valid Georgia driver’s license or Georgia ID card showing the property address
- Registration for any vehicles owned by and registered to the applicant
- Optionally, a recent utility bill or Chatham County voter registration card as supporting documentation
Applications must be completed in person by the property owner, unless the owner has given another party power of attorney.
Why It Matters
Beyond the direct tax savings, homestead exemption status is required before you can be considered for Chatham County’s other special exemptions — the Stephens-Day value freeze, Senior School Tax Exemption, School Tax Disability Exemption, Disabled Veterans Exemption, and other special exemptions. It’s the first form to file after closing on your home.
Source: Chatham County Board of Assessors. Have questions about how homestead exemption affects your purchase or budget? Contact us.
