Chatham County property taxes too high? See if you qualify for exemptions before April 1

Zoe Nicholson, Savannah Morning News
·2 min read
Sonya Jackson is sworn in as Chatham County tax commissioner on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.
Sonya Jackson is sworn in as Chatham County tax commissioner on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.

Property tax bills getting too high for your liking? There may be a way to alleviate the mounting pressures on your finances.

April 1 is the deadline to qualify for property tax exemptions in Chatham County. There are several exemptions available for homeowners who live in their home permanently, according to a release from the Chatham County Tax Commissioner. Many have yet to claim these money-saving exemptions.

“One of the easiest ways for Chatham County residents to save money on property taxes is to file for a homestead exemption,” Chatham County Tax Commissioner Sonya L. Jackson said in a press release. “It’s your right as a homeowner and can lead to significant savings."

The deadline is at 5 p.m., April 1.  Exemptions can be filed online at boa.chathamcountyga.org or in person at 222 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 113. If you've already received an exemption, you do not have to reapply.

For al exemption applications, you must provide the following:

  • Georgia driver's license or valid Georgia ID (if no ID or license, staff will require a utility bill or Chatham County voter registration card.)

  • Registration for vehicles owned and registered in your name.

Homestead Exemption

The Georgia Homestead Exemption can save property owners up to $12,000 a year off all line items on their property tax bills.

Other discounts include:

  • $2,000 off county school maintenance and operations value

  • Senior Citizens can receive another $30,000 of the county school maintenance and operations value and $30,000 off the Chatham Co. "assessed value segments"

Tax season can be a very stressful time for small business operators, especially if they do not have a good working relationship with their accountant.
Tax season can be a very stressful time for small business operators, especially if they do not have a good working relationship with their accountant.

Senior exemptions are based on income and age.

To qualify for a homestead exemption, property owners must meet the following requirements:

  • Owned the home since Jan. 1

  • It is your legal residence

  • You must occupy the home

  • You cannot claim homestead exemptions on other properties in- or out-of-state

Stevens-Day Exemption

The Stevens-Day exemption is specific to Chatham County and is aimed at discounting property tax bills.

"This exemption equals the difference between the home’s current fair market value and the value in the year prior to claiming the exemption, plus any improvements that have been made on the property."

Taxpayers face extra challenges when filing their 2021 tax returns as they deal with tax rules relating to the third round of stimulus payments and six months of advance payments for the child tax credit that took place last year.
Taxpayers face extra challenges when filing their 2021 tax returns as they deal with tax rules relating to the third round of stimulus payments and six months of advance payments for the child tax credit that took place last year.

Special Exemptions

There are a number of exemptions other than the homestead and Stephen's Day. To qualify for any special exemption, you must provide federal and state income tax returns, Form DD214, VA letter to document disability or a letter from a Georgia licensed medical physician.

  • Senior School Tax Exemption

  • School Tax Disability

  • Special Chatham County

  • Disabled veterans

  • Surviving spouses (cannot be remarried) of 100% disabled veterans, a U.S. Service Member KIA or a firefighter/peace officer

  • City of Savannah

  • Floating Homestead

  • Tax Deferral for the Elderly

For questions on special exemptions, call the Chatham County Tax office at (912) 652-7271.

Zoe covers growth and how it impacts communities in the Savannah area. Find her at znicholson@gannett.com, @zoenicholson_ on Twitter, and @zoenicholsonreporter on Instagram. 

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Chatham County GA property taxes high? Apply for exemptions by April 1