Chatham County Parcel, QPublic, Tax Bill & Appeal Guide
Search by owner, address or parcel ID, read the TY2026 assessment notice, check the correct tax installment, protect a homestead or Stephens-Day exemption, understand a 299C freeze and find deeds, maps or appeal help without visiting the wrong Savannah office.
Complete the property task in the correct order
Property value, tax collection, recorded deeds and appeal hearings are handled by separate Chatham County offices. Find and verify the parcel before moving to the next service.
Search QPublic by owner, address or property ID.
Match the owner, situs address, PIN and tax year.
Check value changes, exemptions, savings and appeal date.
Use the Assessor, Tax Commissioner, BOE or Clerk.
Board of Assessors
Use this office for fair-market value, assessment data, property characteristics, exemptions, value history and appeal filing.
Open the Board of AssessorsQPublic search
Use the GIS-enhanced search to locate property records, sales, value history, annual notices, maps and exemption information.
Open official QPublicTax Commissioner
Use this office to view, print or pay the tax bill, check installments, arrange a partial payment or resolve a receipt problem.
Open the Tax CommissionerBoard of Equalization
Use this free hearing route when an assessment appeal is not resolved by the Board of Assessors.
Review BOE proceduresSuperior Court Clerk
Use the Real Estate Division for deeds, liens, plats, certified copies, e-recording and historical real estate records.
Open Real Estate DivisionSAGIS mapping
Use county GIS mapping to compare parcel location, streets, nearby land and available geographic layers.
Open SAGISDo not use an assessment record as proof that taxes are paid. QPublic explains the parcel and assessed value. The Tax Commissioner confirms the bill, balance and payment status.
Search by owner, address or property ID
Chatham County links two record systems. Use the GIS-enhanced QPublic search when the older chathamtax.org interface displays maintenance or does not complete the search.
Search by street address
- Open the official QPublic search. It is linked as “Records Search—GIS Enhanced” by the Chatham County Board of Assessors.
- Choose the property-address search.
- Enter the street number and main street name. Begin without Savannah, Pooler, Tybee Island, ZIP code or unnecessary punctuation.
- Remove the unit number if no result appears. Condominium and apartment records may format units separately.
- Open every plausible match. Similar street names can exist in different municipalities or subdivisions.
- Confirm the owner, situs address, property ID and tax year.
Insider address sequence: search the complete street number and name, then the street name without the number, and finally use the map. This is faster than repeatedly testing Road, Street, Avenue, Drive and Lane abbreviations.
Search by owner name
- Enter the last name first. Add the first name only when the result list is too broad.
- Remove punctuation and initials on the first attempt.
- For an LLC, search its distinctive words. Remove LLC, Inc., LP or Corporation if necessary.
- For a trust, search the trustee or family name.
- For inherited property, try the deceased owner or estate name.
- Verify the parcel instead of relying only on the name.
Recent-purchase tip: the tax bill may continue to show the January 1 owner for that tax year. Search both the buyer and seller names, then confirm the deed’s recording details through the Clerk.
Search by property ID or parcel number
- Copy the complete identifier. Use an assessment notice, tax bill, prior property record or deed reference.
- Enter the number exactly as displayed.
- Remove spaces or punctuation only when the portal rejects the original format.
- Match the situs address and owner.
- Save the property ID for tax, appeal and deed tasks.
Portal-maintenance fallback: if chathamtax.org reports that the system is unavailable, use QPublic for assessment research and return through the official Tax Commissioner page for tax-payment help.
Read the new Annual Notice of Assessment
The TY2026 notice uses a redesigned statewide format. Do not look only at the large value figure; the notice also identifies the appeal deadline, exemption savings and reason for the value change.
The owner and mailing information maintained as of January 1.
The property-specific final date for filing within the 45-day period.
The current filing contact and online filing directions.
Property identification number, description and physical address.
Current fair-market value compared with the prior fair-market value.
The stated reason the property value changed for TY2026.
The current exemptions or preferential assessments providing savings.
An estimate based on exemptions and the applicable prior-year millage rates.
Download a missing assessment notice
- Open the Chatham property-record system.
- Search and open the correct property record.
- Select the “Annual Assessment Notice” tab.
- Choose the required tax year.
- View, print or download the PDF notice.
Use this one-page county guide to identify each numbered field on the redesigned notice.
Open the official notice guideUse the current county page for new-law explanations, homestead filing and 299C warnings.
Read current TY2026 updatesSave the envelope or record the postmark date. The appeal deadline is measured from the notice’s postmarked date, not from the day you finally open or download the notice.
Understand market value, assessed value and tax
The Board of Assessors determines fair-market value and taxable assessment information. The Tax Commissioner applies the adopted millage rates, exemptions and credits to create the bill.
| Record item | What it means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Fair-market value | The Assessor’s estimate of the property’s market value for the tax year. | Compare the correct lien date, condition and relevant market evidence. |
| Assessed value | The taxable assessment amount before applicable exemptions and credits. | Do not mistake it for the final bill. |
| Taxable value | The value remaining after enrolled exemptions, freezes or preferential treatment. | Confirm every exemption code shown on the notice. |
| Millage rate | The rate adopted by county, school, transit, city and other applicable jurisdictions. | Rates vary by municipality and service district. |
| Tax bill | The amount created after assessed value, exemptions, credits and applicable millage rates are combined. | Use the Tax Commissioner for the final amount and payment status. |
Why a recent purchase price may not control TY2026 value
Under the county’s current TY2026 guidance, the previous calendar year’s transaction price is no longer automatically the maximum fair-market value for the following tax year. Market trends and appraisal analysis may produce a value above the sale price.
- Confirm the sale was arm’s length
- Check the sale date
- Review concessions or unusual terms
- Compare property condition at sale
- Review subsequent market changes
- Check permits and improvements
Buyer research tip: never estimate a future Chatham County tax bill by multiplying the seller’s current bill. The buyer’s exemptions, base value, municipality and assessment treatment may differ.
Why municipality matters
A Savannah mailing address does not automatically mean the same combined rate as Pooler, Tybee Island, Thunderbolt, Garden City, Port Wentworth, Bloomingdale or unincorporated Chatham County.
The official rate page advises taxpayers to verify the latest rate with the individual municipality because local governments adopt rates at different times.
Check both property-tax installments
Chatham County’s official tax FAQ describes two annual property-tax installments. The first is based approximately on half of the prior year’s total, while the second reflects the current tax calculation and new exemptions.
| Installment | Bill availability | Due date | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| First installment | Around April 1 | June 1 | Approximately half of the previous year’s total tax. |
| Second installment | Around September 15 | November 15 | Reflects current-year calculation and newly approved exemptions. |
| Mobile home | Around February 1 | April 1 | Uses a separate billing schedule. |
View, print or pay the bill
- Open the Tax Commissioner website.
- Select the property-tax search or payment link.
- Search by property ID, address or owner name.
- Confirm the correct tax year and installment.
- Review the base tax, interest, penalty and total due.
- Choose the payment method. E-checks are listed as free; card payments may include a service charge.
- Save the confirmation and downloaded bill.
Open Official Tax Commissioner
When the payment portal is under maintenance: do not use a third-party payment advertisement. Return through the Tax Commissioner homepage or call 912-652-7100.
Partial payments and late balances
- Partial payments can be accepted
- Call before arranging partial payment
- Interest applies to unpaid balances
- Penalties can continue after November 15
- Keep every confirmation
- Recheck the online balance
The official FAQ states that interest begins accruing in 30-day periods after November 15 and penalties may be added at later intervals, subject to the stated maximum.
Paying taxes while an appeal is pending
An assessment appeal does not extend the tax deadline. The Tax Commissioner advises taxpayers to pay at least the appeal amount by the due date to avoid the stated penalty. Paying the full bill can avoid interest on a remaining disputed balance.
Mortgage-escrow check
- Confirm whether the mortgage company received the bill.
- Remember that the homeowner also receives a copy.
- Check the online record before each due date.
- After refinancing, verify the new servicer.
- After paying off the loan, update the mailing information.
Use this official four-page guide for installments, due dates, payments, appeals, exemptions and deed questions.
Open property-tax FAQsUse this page for e-billing, tax payments, millage rates, tax brochures and address-change forms.
Open tax resourcesProtect the exemptions shown on the notice
Only an owner who owns and occupies the home as a permanent residence can claim homestead. The property must generally be owned and occupied as of January 1 of the applicable tax year.
TY2026 homestead filing deadline
Online filing: accepted through April 1.
After April 1: TY2026 guidance allows filing in person until the property’s 45-day Annual Notice of Assessment appeal window expires.
Do not use a general July or August date. The extended in-person deadline depends on the appeal deadline printed on the individual property’s notice.
Basic homestead qualifications
- Owner occupies the home
- Property is the permanent residence
- Applicant’s name appears on title
- Occupancy existed as of January 1
- Only one homestead per family group
- Rental property does not qualify
- Second homes do not qualify
- Owner files or authorizes valid power of attorney
Documents to prepare
- Georgia driver’s license or state ID
- Vehicle registration in applicant’s name
- Property ID and address
- Prior-year utility bill if requested
- Chatham County voter registration if requested
- Power of attorney when someone else files
Open official homestead filing guidance
Stephens-Day exemption
The Stephens-Day exemption generally protects a qualifying homestead by creating an adjusted base-year value and exempting the difference between that protected value and the current fair-market value, subject to the program’s rules and later improvements.
- Standard homestead qualification is required
- Base value is tied to the qualifying homestead year
- Later improvements can be added
- School-system CPI adjustments may apply
- City of Savannah CPI treatment may apply
- Qualifying surviving spouses may retain protection
New-owner planning tip: the seller’s Stephens-Day protection does not automatically predict the buyer’s taxable value. Apply for the buyer’s homestead promptly and budget using current value and current jurisdiction rates.
Special exemptions
Owners who qualify for homestead may also qualify for additional age-, income-, disability- or service-based exemptions.
- Senior School Tax Exemption
- School Tax Disability
- Special Chatham County exemption
- Disabled veteran exemption
- Surviving spouse of qualifying veteran
- Surviving spouse of service member killed in action
- Surviving spouse of firefighter or peace officer
- City of Savannah exemption
- Floating Homestead
- Tax Deferral for the Elderly
Document tip: special exemptions may require income-tax returns, DD214 records, a Veterans Administration disability letter or a Georgia physician’s statement. Call before visiting so you bring the correct year and document type.
Check for a 299C freeze before appealing
A 299C freeze can protect an appeal-related value for a limited period. Current Chatham County guidance warns that filing another appeal while protection is active may remove the existing freeze.
How to check the property
- Open the property-record system.
- Search and open the correct property.
- Select the “Value History” tab.
- Find the TY2026 value entry.
- Look for the reason “APPEAL DECISION.” The county identifies this as an indication that 299C value protection is active.
Do not file automatically just to “renew” the freeze. A new appeal can expose the parcel to a higher or lower reviewed value and may remove existing protection.
When new 299C protection may apply
Current county guidance states that 299C protection generally applies when the property value is reduced through the appeal process. A value adjustment and waiver may sometimes resolve the case without a formal hearing while still establishing protection.
When a hearing is necessary, the owner or an authorized representative may need to attend for the reduction and resulting freeze to qualify under the current rules.
Decision tip: compare the possible tax savings from a reduction with the value already protected by the freeze. Ask the assigned appraiser how a new appeal could affect the existing TY2026 status before filing.
File within 45 days of the notice postmark
An appeal must be submitted in writing to the Board of Assessors within the property-specific 45-day period. The appeal form requires the disputed property, grounds, chosen hearing route and the owner’s asserted value.
Use the date printed on your notice. Chatham County does not have one universal appeal deadline for every property.
Choose valid grounds
- Value
- Uniformity
- Taxability
- Exemption denial
- Breach of covenant
- Denial of covenant
Prepare evidence before filing
- Annual Notice of Assessment
- Current QPublic record
- Owner’s requested value
- Recent comparable sales
- Professional appraisal if available
- Interior and exterior photographs
- Repair estimates
- Permits or plans
- Comparable property values
- Income data for commercial property
- Copy of existing 299C history
- Proof of timely filing
Comparable-sales trick: three well-explained nearby sales are more useful than a long list. Compare location, building size, age, condition, lot, renovation level and sale date.
Complete the PT-311A appeal form
- Enter the digest year and property owner.
- Enter the property ID and description.
- Select every applicable ground.
- Choose one appeal route.
- State the owner’s asserted value. The form marks this as required.
- Add concise comments and supporting documents.
- Sign as owner, new owner or authorized agent.
- Include agent authorization when applicable.
Inspection notice: filing an appeal creates a review of the county’s value, and the official form warns that an on-site inspection by appraisal staff may be required.
Open the official PT-311A appeal form
Compare the appeal routes
| Route | Who can use it | Important requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Board of Equalization | Available for the listed assessment grounds | The county describes the BOE hearing as free. |
| Hearing Officer | Qualifying non-homestead real property over $500,000 | Grounds are limited to value or uniformity. |
| Binding Arbitration | Value disputes meeting the arbitration rules | Certified appraisal and filing fee requirements apply. |
| Direct Superior Court | Cases where the Board of Assessors consents | Additional court costs and procedures can apply. |
What happens at a Board of Equalization hearing
- The county appraiser presents the assessment evidence.
- The owner or representative presents the appeal.
- The three-member panel may ask questions.
- The Board deliberates and issues a decision.
- The written decision is sent to the parties.
A BOE decision may be appealed to Superior Court within 30 days through the Board of Assessors process. The county identifies a $25 filing fee for that next appeal.
Hearing opening: begin with one sentence—“I request a value of ___ because ___.” Then show the strongest evidence instead of spending limited time discussing tax rates or government spending.
Send each problem to the office that controls it
Assessment data, bill mailing, payments, deed wording and parcel mapping are separate records. Identify the incorrect record before submitting a correction.
| Problem | First contact | Prepare first |
|---|---|---|
| Owner name has not updated | Board of Assessors after confirming the deed was recorded | Property ID, address, deed date and recording details |
| Assessment mailing address is wrong | Board of Assessors or online filing system | Owner, property ID, old address and new address |
| Tax-bill mailing or payment issue | Tax Commissioner | Property ID, tax year, installment and confirmation |
| Building or land detail is wrong | Board of Assessors | Photographs, measurements, permits and exact disputed field |
| Exemption is missing | Board of Assessors exemption staff | Application date, receipt, notice and supporting documents |
| Deed wording or legal ownership | Superior Court Clerk Real Estate Division | Party names, recording date, book/page or instrument reference |
| Map line appears wrong | SAGIS for display; Clerk or survey professional for legal boundary | Property ID, screenshot, deed and recorded plat |
Recently purchased property
- Search by property address.
- Search the seller’s name.
- Confirm the deed recording date and instrument information.
- Contact the Assessor with the property ID and recording details.
- Check the tax bill even if it still displays the January 1 owner.
- Confirm the buyer’s homestead filing status.
Correction format: “The record currently shows ___; the correct information is ___; attached is ___.” This helps staff identify and verify one precise change.
Use QPublic and SAGIS for different map tasks
QPublic connects the map with assessment records. SAGIS provides broader geographic layers and location context for Savannah and Chatham County.
Use QPublic for
- Owner and parcel search
- Property ID
- Value history
- Annual notices
- Sales information
- Assessment record cards
Use SAGIS for
- Broader location context
- Map layers
- Nearby roads and parcels
- Municipal boundaries
- Geographic comparison
- Additional county GIS research
Neither online map is a legal survey. Use the recorded deed and plat and obtain licensed surveying assistance when exact boundaries affect fences, easements, construction, access or ownership.
Special situations
Match the unit property ID
Units can share a street address while having separate ownership, values and exemption records.
Use the parcel map
A vacant parcel may have no reliable postal address. Search the property ID and compare adjoining land.
Separate value and income evidence
Review land, improvements, rent, vacancy, expenses, leases and relevant market sales.
Check probate and deed status
Ownership may remain under an estate until the required document is recorded and processed.
Follow the separate schedule
Mobile homes have different return, title and tax-payment requirements from ordinary real estate.
Check the first assessment year
Compare permit, completion, building data and the year an improvement was added to value.
Find deeds, liens, plats and certified copies
The Superior Court Clerk’s Real Estate Division records and indexes deeds, liens, plats, UCC filings and other real estate documents.
Prepare before searching or requesting a copy
- Current owner name
- Previous owner name
- Property address
- Property ID
- Approximate recording date
- Document type
- Book and page if available
- Instrument number if available
- Open the Clerk’s Real Estate Division page.
- Identify the required document. A deed, plat, lien and assessment record are not interchangeable.
- Use party names and the approximate date.
- Request the complete recorded document.
- Choose a plain or certified copy as required.
Open official Real Estate Division
Recording a deed
The Clerk states that deeds conveying property require a PT-61 form and that documents must be properly witnessed and notarized before filing.
Clerk staff cannot provide legal advice or draft the correct deed for your situation. Obtain qualified legal or title assistance when ownership rights, liens or transfer language matter.
Register for Filing Activity Notifications
Georgia’s Filing Activity Notification System can send an electronic alert when matching index information is transmitted for selected future real estate or personal-property filings.
- Open FANS and create an account.
- Select the relevant county and record criteria.
- Add useful personal, trust or business name variations.
- Review every alert promptly.
- Contact the Clerk about unfamiliar activity.
FANS is forward-looking. Alerts depend on the index information entered and transmitted after the notification request is created. An alert is not automatic proof of fraud.
Fix common Chatham County search problems
| Problem | Try first | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy portal shows maintenance | Use the Board-linked QPublic GIS search. | Return through the Tax Commissioner for payment help. |
| Address returns no result | Remove city, ZIP, unit and punctuation. | Search the street name or use the parcel map. |
| Owner search fails | Use only the last name or distinctive business words. | Try the previous owner, trust or estate name. |
| Property ID is rejected | Recheck every digit and remove spaces. | Find the property by address and copy the ID again. |
| Tax bill shows the seller | This may reflect the owner as of January 1. | Verify the current owner and deed separately. |
| Exemption missing from first bill | Check whether it is newly approved. | New exemptions may appear on the second installment. |
| Map is difficult on mobile | Rotate the phone and close unused layers. | Use desktop mode for map and record printing. |
| Recent payment is missing | Check the confirmation and processing time. | Contact the Tax Commissioner with payment proof. |
Mobile-search tricks
- Use landscape mode for maps
- Search with fewer words
- Close the keyboard before opening results
- Allow official popups when required
- Save the property ID in a note
- Download notices before leaving the portal
Chatham County property contacts
Board of Assessors
Best for: value, property data, notices, exemptions, value history and appeals
Address: 222 West Oglethorpe Avenue, Suite 113, Savannah, GA 31401
Entrance: Jefferson Street side
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Phone: 912-652-7271
Email: boa@chathamcounty.org
Tax Commissioner
Best for: bills, installments, online payment, receipts and partial-payment arrangements
Address: 222 West Oglethorpe Avenue, Suite 107, Savannah, GA 31401
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Phone: 912-652-7100
Email: tax@chathamcounty.org
Board of Equalization
Best for: hearings on unresolved assessment appeals
First filing: submit the appeal to the Board of Assessors within 45 days
Website: Official BOE guidance
Real Estate Division
Main office: 133 Montgomery Street, 3rd Floor, Room 304, Savannah, GA 31401
Satellite: 1117 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Phone: 912-434-8970 or 912-434-8920, press 3
Email: supctclk@chathamcounty.org
Suite-number tip: the Board of Assessors and Tax Commissioner share 222 West Oglethorpe Avenue, but they are separate offices in Suites 113 and 107.
Open only the resource needed for the next step
Search by owner, address or property ID and review assessment records.
Open QPublicUse for TY2026 notices, valuation, exemptions, forms and appeal filing.
Open AssessorsDownload PT-311A, property exemption, real-property return and preferential-assessment forms.
Open formsView, print or pay property taxes and find billing assistance.
Open Tax CommissionerUnderstand BOE, hearing-officer, arbitration and Superior Court routes.
Open EqualizationFind deed-recording, certified-copy, PT-61 and historical-record information.
Open Clerk recordsFrequently asked questions
How do I search Chatham County GA property records?
Open the official Chatham County QPublic GIS search and search by owner name, property address or property ID. Open the matching result and verify the owner, situs address, parcel identifier, value history and tax year before using the record.
What should I do if the Chatham property-search portal shows maintenance?
Use the GIS-enhanced QPublic search linked by the official Board of Assessors. For tax payment or billing help, return through the official Tax Commissioner website rather than using an unrelated third-party payment page.
What information is on the TY2026 Annual Notice of Assessment?
The notice identifies the owner and mailing address as of January 1, appeal deadline, filing instructions, property ID, description, physical address, current and prior fair-market values, reason for the value change, exemption codes and estimated exemption savings.
What is the TY2026 Chatham County homestead deadline?
Online homestead applications were accepted through April 1. Current TY2026 guidance allows an application after April 1 to be submitted in person until the individual property’s 45-day Annual Notice of Assessment appeal window expires.
What is the Chatham County Stephens-Day exemption?
Stephens-Day is a homestead value-protection exemption that generally exempts the difference between current fair-market value and the property’s adjusted base-year value, subject to later improvements, applicable CPI adjustments and program rules.
Can an appeal affect an existing 299C value freeze?
Yes. Chatham County warns that filing a new appeal while 299C protection is active may remove the existing freeze. Review the Value History tab and speak with the assigned appraiser before filing solely to obtain or renew value protection.
How long do I have to appeal a Chatham County assessment?
An assessment appeal must be filed in writing with the Board of Assessors within 45 days of the postmarked date on the Annual Notice of Assessment. Use the exact deadline printed on the property’s notice.
When are Chatham County property taxes due?
The official tax FAQ describes a first installment billed around April 1 and due June 1, followed by a second installment billed around September 15 and due November 15. Confirm the applicable bill and current-year dates before paying.
Why does the tax bill still show the previous owner?
The Tax Commissioner maintains the bill in the name of the owner of record as of January 1 for that tax year. A buyer who purchased later in the year is still responsible for confirming payment and should verify current ownership through the deed and assessment records.
Where can I find Chatham County deeds and filing alerts?
Use the Superior Court Clerk Real Estate Division for deeds, liens, plats and certified copies. Register with Georgia’s Filing Activity Notification System to receive forward-looking electronic alerts when matching document-index information is transmitted.