So, you just got that notice in the mail. You know the one. The envelope from the Chatham County Board of Assessors that makes your stomach do a little flip before you even tear it open.
If you live in Savannah, Tybee Island, or any pocket of Chatham County, you've probably spent at least one dinner party complaining about property taxes. It’s basically a local pastime. But honestly, most of the frustration comes from not quite grasping how the Chatham County Georgia property appraiser actually works. It's not just some guy in a truck guessing what your house is worth while driving past.
It’s a massive, data-driven machine. And if you don't know how to talk back to that machine, you’re likely leaving money on the table.
The Secret "Three-Headed Monster" of Your Tax Bill
First off, let’s clear up a huge misconception. The "Property Appraiser" isn't one person. In Chatham County, the heavy lifting is done by the Board of Assessors (BOA). They find the value. They don't set the tax rate. That’s a different group of people entirely.
Basically, the BOA determines the Fair Market Value of your property. They look at three things:
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- The Sales Comparison: What did the house next door sell for?
- The Cost Approach: How much would it cost to rebuild your house from scratch today?
- The Income Approach: This is mostly for commercial spots—how much rent does the place rake in?
Currently, Corey Gillenwater serves as the Interim Chief Appraiser. He leads a team that has to track over 100,000 parcels. Think about that. 100,000. It’s impossible for them to be perfect every time.
Why Your Assessment Might Be Totally Out of Whack
Look, mistakes happen. A lot. Maybe the county thinks you have a finished basement, but it’s actually just a crawlspace with a lonely lightbulb. Or perhaps they haven't noticed the massive sinkhole forming in your backyard.
In Georgia, property is taxed at 40% of its fair market value. So, if they say your home is worth $400,000, you’re being taxed on $160,000. If their "fair market" number is higher than what you could actually sell the house for tomorrow, you're paying too much. Period.
The Appeal Window is Tiny. You usually only have 45 days from the date on your assessment notice to file an appeal. Miss that? You're stuck for the year. No exceptions. No "I forgot."
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Stephens-Day: The Chatham County Superpower
If you own a home in Chatham County and it’s your primary residence, you need to know about Stephens-Day. It is, quite literally, the best thing about living here (besides the moss-draped oaks).
The Stephens-Day exemption basically "freezes" the assessed value of your home for the county portion of your taxes. If you bought your house for $200,000 ten years ago and it’s now worth $600,000, the county still treats it like it’s worth $200,000 for their part of the bill.
Important Note: This doesn't freeze your school taxes or city taxes in most cases. Those will still go up as your property value rises. But it saves thousands over the long run.
How to Actually Win an Appeal
Don't just walk into the office at 222 W. Oglethorpe Ave and say, "My taxes are too high!" They hear that all day. They don't care.
You need evidence.
- Photos: Show the cracks in the foundation. Show the 1970s kitchen that the county thinks is "renovated."
- Comps: Find three houses nearby that sold for less than your appraised value.
- Recent Appraisal: If you just bought or refinanced, use that professional appraisal. It carries way more weight than your opinion.
The Board of Equalization (BOE) is the next step if the assessors won't budge. It’s a panel of three citizens. They aren't county employees. They’re your neighbors. They listen to your case and the county's case and make a call. It’s free to appeal to them. Why wouldn't you?
What’s Changing in 2026?
We’ve seen some massive shifts lately. There was a huge push with HB 581 and local moves by the Savannah City Council regarding homestead exemptions. The big takeaway for 2026 is that the "estimated" tax on your notice is just that—an estimate.
Millage rates (the actual tax rate) aren't usually set until the summer. So, when you get your assessment in the spring, you’re looking at the value, not the final bill.
Actionable Next Steps for You
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just do these three things right now:
- Check your exemptions: Go to the Chatham County BOA website and search for your property. Look for "Stephens-Day" or "Homestead." If it's not there and you live in the house, you are throwing money away.
- Mark the April 1st Deadline: This is the big one for filing new exemptions. Don't wait until March 31st. The lines are a nightmare.
- Audit your Property Record Card: Look at the "PRC" on the website. Does it say you have 4 bedrooms when you only have 3? Does it say you have a pool you don't own? Correcting these "clerical" errors is the easiest way to drop your value without a fight.
Property taxes in Savannah and the surrounding islands are complex, but they aren't a trap if you're paying attention. Keep your records updated and don't be afraid to challenge a number that feels wrong. The Chatham County Georgia property appraiser office expects people to appeal; it's part of the system.