Savannah Property Tax 2026: Rates, Exemptions & Payments

Savannah Property Tax 2026 starts with a 0.99% effective rate that mirrors the latest Georgia property tax rates 2026 for the city and reflects the Chatham County millage applied to 40% of market value; the first installment is due June 1, 2026 and can be paid online, by mail to the Chatham County Tax Commissioner (P.O. Box 9827, Savannah, GA 31412), or in person at the downtown office. Property owners can verify their tax parcel, view assessed values, and run the 2026 Savannah tax calculator through the Chatham County Board of Assessors portal at chathamtax.org, where the assessor’s office answers questions at (912) 652‑7271 or boa@chathamcounty.org. The municipal tax levy includes a separate city portion for properties with a “2” tax map/pin and a county portion for “1” pins, each subject to the same payment deadlines. Homeowners interested in retiree property tax relief, first‑time homebuyer tax benefits, or other reduction programs should review eligibility criteria early to avoid missing the April 1, 2026 exemption filing date.

Savannah Property Tax 2026 also covers a range of exemptions, such as the basic homestead exemption, Stephens‑Day exemption, and Savannah real estate tax exemptions for seniors, veterans, and disabled owners; eligibility requires primary residence status on January 1 and a completed application submitted by the April 1 deadline. Appeals against the property tax assessment process Savannah GA must be filed by July 31, 2026 through the Board of Assessors, and the same office handles delinquent property tax notices, tax lien sale listings, and refunds for overpayments. Commercial property tax rates Savannah GA differ from residential rates and are calculated using the same millage but based on commercial assessed values; condo property tax in Savannah follows the residential schedule but may include additional city fees. Payment options include online credit/debit, electronic check, or cash at the tax collector’s office (phone (912) 652‑7100), giving owners flexibility to meet the bill due dates and keep their property records current.

Search Savannah City Property Tax

Savannah City property tax records for 2026 show an effective rate of 0.99% for the city, matching the latest Georgia property tax rates 2026 figures and reflecting the Chatham County millage applied to 40% of market value. The first installment bill is due June 1, 2026, and payments can be made online, by mail to the Chatham County Tax Commissioner at P.O. Box 9827, Savannah, GA 31412, or in person at the downtown office.

Property owners can look up their tax parcel, check assessed values, and review assessment information through the Chatham County Board of Assessors public search portal at https://boa.chathamcountyga.gov. The assessor’s office can be reached at (912) 652-7271 or by email at BOA@chathamcounty.org. The municipal tax levy includes a separate city portion for properties with a “2” tax map pin and a county portion for “1” pins, with both following the same payment deadlines. Homeowners interested in property tax exemptions, including the basic homestead, Stephens-Day, senior, or veteran options, should review eligibility criteria early to avoid missing the April 1, 2026 exemption filing date.

Savannah City property tax covers a range of exemptions, such as the basic homestead exemption of $2,000, Stephens-Day exemption, and Savannah real estate tax exemptions for seniors, veterans, and disabled owners. Eligibility requires primary residence status on January 1 and a completed application submitted by the April 1 deadline. Appeals against the property tax assessment process in Savannah GA must be filed by July 31, 2026 through the Board of Assessors, and the same office handles delinquent property tax notices, tax lien sale listings, and refunds for overpayments. Payment options include online credit or debit, electronic check, or cash at the tax collector’s office at (912) 652-7100, giving owners flexibility to meet bill due dates and keep property records current.

Step-by-Step Search Process for Savannah City Property Tax Records

1. Open the Chatham County Board of Assessors public search portal at https://boa.chathamcountyga.gov.
2. Click the property search link on the home page.
3. Enter the property address, owner name, or parcel number in the search box.
4. Review the results to find the correct parcel record.
5. Click on the parcel to view assessed value, tax year, and exemption status.
6. Use available tools to estimate the 2026 bill based on millage rates.
7. Save or print the record for future reference.

Property Tax Rates and Millage Structure for Savannah City

Savannah City property tax rates for 2026 are set by local government bodies that include the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, the City of Savannah Council, and the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education. Each body sets its own millage rate, and the combined rates form the total property tax bill for a parcel. Millage rates apply to 40% of the fair market value, which is the Georgia statewide assessment ratio for real property.

The effective property tax rate for Savannah sits at 0.99% of market value based on current records. Homeowners can review the rate breakdown for their specific parcel through the assessor portal, which shows the county portion, city portion, and school board portion of the millage.

Components of the Savannah City Property Tax Bill

• County general fund millage for Chatham County services
• City of Savannah millage for municipal services
• School board millage for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System
• State of Georgia millage, where applicable
• Special district millage for specific service areas
• Bonds and voted levies for capital projects

Sample Authority Role for Savannah City Property Tax Rates

Property Tax Assessment Process in Savannah City

The property tax assessment process in Savannah City follows a set cycle each year. The Chatham County Board of Assessors reviews property sales, performs on-site inspections, and applies mass appraisal methods to set the fair market value of each parcel. The assessed value is then multiplied by the 40% Georgia assessment ratio to produce the taxable value for billing.

Property owners receive a Notice of Assessment each spring that shows the proposed value for the upcoming tax year. The 2026 Notices of Assessment were mailed on June 16, 2026, and owners have the right to file an appeal if they believe the value is too high.

Key Steps in the Savannah City Assessment Cycle

1. The Board of Assessors collects property sales data from the prior year.
2. Staff reviews each parcel and updates records with new construction or changes.
3. The board applies valuation models to set the fair market value.
4. Notices of Assessment are mailed to all property owners.
5. Owners may file an appeal within the deadline window.
6. The board finalizes values and forwards them to the Tax Commissioner for billing.

Homestead Exemption Eligibility and Filing Steps

Savannah City property tax offers several exemptions that reduce the taxable value of a primary residence. The basic homestead exemption in Georgia is $2,000 off the assessed value, and Chatham County offers a Stephens-Day exemption that locks in a base year value to offset future increases for the county portion of the bill. Other exemptions apply to seniors, veterans, disabled homeowners, and floating homestead protections under HB 581.

The deadline to file for most property tax exemptions in Savannah was April 1, 2026. Under House Bill 581, homeowners who missed this date may still file for a homestead exemption after receiving their notice of assessment from the Board of Assessors.

Common Savannah Real Estate Tax Exemptions

Required Documents for Filing Savannah Property Tax Exemptions

• Georgia Homestead Exemption Application form
• Proof of ownership (deed or warranty deed)
• Government-issued photo ID
• Social Security card or taxpayer ID
• Birth certificate (for senior exemption)
• DD-214 discharge papers (for veteran exemption)
• Disability rating letter (for disabled exemption)
• Income statements for income-based exemptions

Property Tax Bill Due Dates for Savannah City

Savannah City property tax bills are mailed twice a year with two installment deadlines. The first installment for the 2026 tax year was due June 1, 2026. Property owners who pay both installments on time avoid late fees and interest charges.

Bills are mailed by the Chatham County Tax Commissioner’s Office to the property owner’s mailing address on file. Owners should update their address with the Tax Commissioner if they move to avoid missing a bill.

Key Dates for Savannah City Property Tax

Payment Methods and Options for Savannah City Property Tax

Savannah City property tax offers several ways to pay bills so owners can choose the method that fits their needs. Online payments can be made through the City of Savannah Revenue Department portal at https://revenue.savannahga.gov, accepting credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. A minimum payment of $10 applies to all online transactions, and an email address is required.

Payments made after 5:00 PM EST are processed the next business day. Owners who prefer to pay in person can visit the downtown office at 222 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 107, or any Chatham County Tax Commissioner branch. Mail payments should be sent to the Tax Commissioner at P.O. Box 9827, Savannah, GA 31412.

Accepted Savannah City Property Tax Payment Methods

• Online credit or debit card payment through the city portal
• Electronic check (e-check) through the online system
• Cash payment at the downtown office
• Check or money order by mail
• Cashier’s check at any branch office
• Mobile Tax Office visits to community locations like Pooler City Hall (100 US Highway 80 SW, Pooler, GA 31322)

Property Tax Appeals Process and Deadlines

Property owners in Savannah City who disagree with their assessed value can file an appeal with the Chatham County Board of Assessors. The 2026 appeal deadline was July 31, 2026, set when the board mailed Notices of Assessment on June 16, 2026. Appeals must be filed within this window or the assessed value becomes final for the tax year.

Appeals can be filed online through the Board of Assessors portal, by mail, or in person at the office. Owners should provide supporting evidence such as recent sales of comparable properties, photos of property defects, or a professional appraisal report.

Steps to File a Savannah City Property Tax Appeal

1. Review the Notice of Assessment for accuracy.
2. Gather supporting evidence like comp sales or appraisals.
3. Complete the appeal form from the Board of Assessors.
4. Submit the appeal online, by mail, or in person before the deadline.
5. Wait for a hearing date from the board.
6. Attend the hearing and present the evidence.
7. Receive a written decision from the board.

Reassessment Schedule for Savannah City Property Tax

Savannah City property tax values are reviewed through a regular reassessment schedule set by Georgia state law. The Chatham County Board of Assessors performs annual reviews of property sales and updates records for new construction, demolition, zoning changes, and ownership transfers.

Mass appraisal methods allow the board to value thousands of parcels each year without visiting every site. Parcels with major changes may receive an on-site inspection before the next Notice of Assessment is mailed.

Factors That Trigger a Savannah Property Reassessment

• Sale of the property at arm’s length
• New construction or major renovation
• Demolition of an existing structure
• Zoning change affecting land use
• Subdivision or lot line adjustment
• Correction of factual errors in the record

Commercial Property Tax Rates in Savannah City

Commercial property tax rates in Savannah City are calculated using the same millage as residential property, but the assessed value is based on the commercial market value rather than residential comps. Commercial parcels often have higher per-square-foot values, leading to higher tax bills for business owners.

Owners of commercial property can apply for certain exemptions, such as the industrial property exemption or the freeport exemption for inventory in transit. These programs can lower the taxable value and reduce the annual tax bill.

Commercial Property Categories in Savannah City

• Office buildings and professional spaces
• Retail stores and shopping centers
• Restaurants and hospitality properties
• Industrial warehouses and manufacturing sites
• Multi-family rental properties with five or more units
• Hotels and motels operating in the city

Condo Property Tax in Savannah City

Condo property tax in Savannah City follows the same billing schedule as single-family homes, with bills sent twice a year and the same payment deadlines. The assessed value of a condo is based on recent sales of comparable units in the same building or complex, and the taxable value is 40% of that figure.

Condo owners who occupy their unit as a primary residence can claim the homestead exemption to lower the taxable value. Owners who rent out their units cannot claim the homestead exemption since they do not live there full-time.

Items That Affect Savannah Condo Tax Bills

• Recent sale price of the unit
• Comparable sales in the same building
• Building condition and age
• Floor level and view factors
• Any special assessments from the HOA
• Parking spaces and storage units included

Delinquent Property Tax Notices and Tax Lien Sales

Savannah City property tax bills that remain unpaid after the due date become delinquent and accrue interest and penalties. The Chatham County Tax Commissioner’s Office sends delinquent notices to property owners and publishes tax lien sale listings for parcels that remain unpaid for an extended period.

Tax lien sales allow the county to recover unpaid taxes by auctioning a lien on the property. Buyers at the sale pay the delinquent tax amount and earn interest on the lien until the owner redeems the property by paying the back taxes plus fees.

Consequences of Delinquent Savannah Property Taxes

• Late fees and interest added to the original bill
• Delinquent notice mailed to the property owner
• Publication in the tax lien sale listing
• Lien auction and transfer to a third-party buyer
• Potential loss of the property through foreclosure
• Fees charged for advertising and administrative costs

Property Tax Reduction Programs and Retiree Relief

Savannah City property tax offers several reduction programs for qualifying homeowners, including senior exemptions and floating homestead protections under HB 581. The senior school tax exemption in Georgia reduces the school portion of the bill for homeowners who meet the age and income requirements set by state law.

Homeowners can also apply for a long-term senior exemption that locks in a base value for the county portion of the bill. The basic homestead exemption and the Stephens-Day exemption are open to all owner-occupied residents who meet the eligibility requirements.

Savannah Property Tax Reduction Options

• Basic homestead exemption of $2,000 for primary residence
• Stephens-Day base year value lock for the county portion
• Senior exemption with applicable age and income limits
• School tax exemption for seniors
• Floating homestead under HB 581 to cap value growth
• Disabled veteran exemption based on rating percentage

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Benefits in Savannah

Homebuyers in Savannah City can apply for the basic homestead exemption, which reduces the taxable value of a primary residence by $2,000. New buyers who purchase a home and occupy it as their primary residence on January 1 of the tax year can file for this exemption at the Board of Assessors office.

Buyers should also review the Stephens-Day exemption, which can lower future tax bills by locking in the county portion of the assessed value at the base year level. Veterans and disabled buyers may qualify for additional exemptions that further reduce their tax bill.

Action Steps for New Savannah Homeowners

1. Close on the home and record the deed with the Clerk of Superior Court.
2. Update the mailing address with the Tax Commissioner.
3. File the homestead exemption application by the April 1 deadline.
4. Request the Stephens-Day exemption at the same time.
5. Keep records of the filing for future reference.
6. Review veteran or disability exemptions if applicable.

Property Tax Refund Process for Savannah City

Savannah City property tax refunds are issued when an owner overpays a bill, pays on the wrong parcel, or receives an exemption after the bill was issued. Refund requests are processed through the Chatham County Tax Commissioner’s Office and may require supporting documents.

Owners who paid a tax bill and later won an appeal can request a refund for the overpayment. The Excess Funds form on the Tax Commissioner website outlines the steps and required documents for refund claims.

Steps to Request a Savannah Property Tax Refund

1. Download the Excess Funds form from the Tax Commissioner website.
2. Gather supporting documents listed on the form’s second page.
3. Complete the form with parcel details and refund amount.
4. Mail the form to Chatham County Tax Commissioner, Attn: Excess Funds, PO Box 8092, Savannah GA 31412, or email excessfunds@chathamcounty.org.
5. Wait for a confirmation notice from the office.
6. Receive the refund by check or direct deposit.

Tax Parcel Search and Property Records Access

Tax parcel search tools in Savannah City allow owners to look up property records, view assessed values, and check the status of tax bills. The Chatham County Board of Assessors public search portal at https://boa.chathamcountyga.gov is the main tool for viewing parcel data, including owner name, property address, land size, building details, and tax year values.

For deed records and ownership history, the Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court maintains a searchable database. Refer to the official Chatham County website for the Clerk’s specific portal link and contact information.

Online Tools for Savannah City Property Records

How to Search a Savannah City Property Parcel

1. Visit https://boa.chathamcountyga.gov.
2. Click the property search link.
3. Enter the parcel ID, address, or owner name.
4. Review the parcel details shown on screen.
5. Click on the tax year to view the bill amount.
6. Print or save the record for reference.

Official Contact, Location Details, and Map

The Chatham County Board of Assessors and the Chatham County Tax Commissioner’s Office are the two main offices for Savannah City property tax records, assessments, and payments. Property owners can contact either office by phone, email, mail, or in person during business hours.

Chatham County Board of Assessors Contact Details

• Department Name: Chatham County Board of Assessors
• Official Website URL: https://boa.chathamcountyga.gov
• Direct Public Search Portal Link: https://boa.chathamcountyga.gov
• Main Phone: (912) 652-7271
• Official Email: BOA@chathamcounty.org
• Physical Address: Refer to the official Board of Assessors website for the current physical address
• Mailing Address: Refer to the official Board of Assessors website for the current mailing address

Chatham County Tax Commissioner’s Office Contact Details

• Department Name: Chatham County Tax Commissioner’s Office
• Official Email: tax@chathamcounty.org
• Main Phone: (912) 652-7100
• Excess Funds Email: excessfunds@chathamcounty.org
• Excess Funds Mailing Address: P.O. Box 8092, Savannah, GA 31412
• Tax Payment Mailing Address: P.O. Box 9827, Savannah, GA 31412
• Downtown Office Address: 222 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 107, Savannah, GA
• Tax Commissioner: Sonya L. Jackson

Frequently Asked Questions

Savannah Property Tax information helps owners avoid penalties, claim exemptions, and plan payments. Knowing where to pay, when bills are due, and how to appeal assessments saves time and money. Below are the most common queries answered with clear steps and contact details for Chatham County offices.

What are the 2026 Savannah Property Tax due dates and payment options?

The first installment is due June 1, 2026. The second installment arrives in November and is due by the 15th. Pay online through the City of Savannah revenue portal, mail a check to the Chatham County Tax Commissioner at P.O. Box 9827, Savannah GA 31412, or visit the downtown office (222 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 107) during business hours. Online payments require an email address and a minimum of $10.

How can I find my Savannah tax parcel number and assess its value?

Visit the Chatham County Board of Assessors portal at chathamtax.org. Enter the property address or legal description to retrieve the parcel number, assessed value, and millage rate. The portal also shows any exemptions applied, such as the homestead credit.

Who should I contact for questions about Savannah property tax bills?

Call the Tax Commissioner’s office at 912‑652‑7100 or email tax@chathamcounty.org. For assessment issues, reach the Board of Assessors at 912‑652‑7271 or boa@chathamcounty.org. In‑person help is available at the downtown office, 222 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 101, Savannah, GA 31401.

What exemptions are available for Savannah homeowners in 2026?

Homeowners may claim the basic $2,000 homestead exemption and the Stephens‑Day exemption, which freezes the county portion of the taxable value after the first year of ownership. Apply by the April 1 deadline for the 2026 tax year; extensions may be granted if the notice of assessment arrives late. Forms are on the Tax Commissioner’s website or can be picked up at the downtown office.

How do I appeal a Savannah property assessment?

File a Notice of Appeal with the Board of Assessors before the July 31, 2026 deadline. Include a copy of the assessment notice, a written argument, and any supporting evidence such as recent sales data. Submit the appeal by mail, email (boa@chathamcounty.org), or in person. The board schedules a hearing within 30 days of receipt.

Where can I find listings of delinquent tax liens in Savannah?

The Chatham County Tax Commissioner posts delinquent tax lien sales on the official website under “Excess Funds.” Visit tax.chathamcountyga.gov/ExcessFunds for current listings, auction dates, and registration instructions. Buyers must register online, provide a credit card, and attend the auction either in person or via the live webcast.