City of Savannah Property Taxes: Pay Your Bill, Search Records, Understand City vs County Taxes & Lower Your Tax
Savannah property owners often have two separate tax tasks: pay the City of Savannah bill through the City Revenue Department, and handle values, homestead exemptions and appeals through Chatham County Board of Assessors. This guide shows exactly where to pay, how to search, what the installment dates mean, when penalties start, how exemptions work, and which office to contact before a bill becomes delinquent.
Savannah property tax has three moving parts
The fastest way to solve a Savannah property tax problem is to separate payment, value and county tax questions before clicking links.
Fast task board
- 1Need to pay a City of Savannah bill? Use the City Revenue Department property tax payment portal. It only shows City of Savannah property tax information and online payments.
- 2Need Chatham County tax bill or receipt? Use Chatham County Tax Commissioner. Savannah city limits owners generally pay both city and county property taxes.
- 3Need value, property card, exemption or appeal? Use Chatham County Board of Assessors. The city bills from the approved county digest; it does not set your appraised value.
- 4Need homestead or Stephens-Day freeze? File with Chatham County Board of Assessors by the annual assessment notice’s 45-day appeal due date for current-year consideration.
- 5Tax is late or near tax sale? Contact the City Property Tax Office before paying online. Tax sale or FiFa properties are not accepted online and require certified funds.
Assessors set value
Chatham Board of Assessors handles property record, value and exemptions.
City bills tax
City Revenue bills and collects City of Savannah ad valorem tax.
County bills separately
Chatham County/School taxes are separate from the city bill.
Owner pays by due date
Pay in full by the second installment due date to avoid penalty/interest.
How to pay City of Savannah property taxes online
The city payment portal gives real-time office information for City of Savannah taxes. Use it for city bills, but do not assume it pays your Chatham County bill too.
1
Open the official City payment siteStart from the City Revenue Department before entering payment details.
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Open City of Savannah Online Property Tax Information and Payment. Read the current due-date and payment notes, then continue to the payment search.
2
Search the city account, PIN or addressThe city gives exact search-format guidance.
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Use the six-digit City account number from your bill, the tax map/PIN, or the property location. The city says all City property tax map/PIN numbers begin with 2, while some county properties beginning with 1 may also be subject to City taxes.
3
Choose eCheck or card after reviewing limitsFees and limits matter before checkout.
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The city lists online eCheck and credit/debit card options. eCheck payments under $15,000 have no fee. Credit/debit card payments must be under $15,000 and carry a 2.45% transaction fee. The minimum payment is $10 and an email address is required.
4
Save proof and check payment timingAfter-hours payments post next business day.
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Save your confirmation and receipt. The city states that payments made after 5:00 p.m. Eastern are processed the next business day. If a deadline is close, do not wait until the last hour.
| Payment Method | Official Detail | Best User Action |
|---|---|---|
| eCheck online | Under $15,000; no fee; routing and account number needed | Best low-cost online option if bank details are correct. |
| Credit/debit card online | Under $15,000; 2.45% transaction fee | Review fee before submitting large payments. |
| In person | Cashier’s Office at Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Fahm Street | Use for help, unusual accounts or payment questions. |
| Drop box | External drop box at Coastal Georgia Center for utility and property tax payments | Do not place cash in a drop box. |
| Tax sale / FiFa property | Online payment not accepted; certified funds required | Contact the Property Tax Office before attempting payment. |
How to search City of Savannah property tax bills and records
Use the city payment search for city balance and payment history. Use Chatham property records/qPublic-style records for assessment value, exemption status and property details.
City tax bill search
Use for City account, current balance, payment status and City of Savannah property tax history.
Chatham assessment search
Use for property card, appraised value, exemptions, ownership, mailing address and appeal/exemption filing actions.
| Search Field | How Savannah Says To Format It | Helpful Tip |
|---|---|---|
| City account | Six-digit number found on the city bill | Best search if you have the paper or PDF bill. |
| Tax map/PIN | Often like 2-0001-01-002 or 2-0001A-01-002A | City properties generally start with 2. |
| Location/address | All or part of the address can be entered | If exact address fails, use partial street name. |
| Street direction | One or two characters, no punctuation, such as E, W or NE | Do not type periods or full words. |
| Street suffix | Two characters, no punctuation, such as ST, RD, AV or LN | Try partial street name if suffix creates no result. |
City of Savannah property tax installment dates and late-payment risk
Real property is normally billed in two city installments. Personal property and delinquent/tax sale accounts can follow different handling, so the bill and portal control.
2026 first installment
The city online instructions list 2026 first installment real property taxes as due June 15, 2026.
Second installment
City guidance describes the second installment as mid-November. The 2026 Revenue Ordinance states the second installment is due on or before November 15 of the current tax year. Check your bill if the date falls on a weekend or holiday.
120-day penalty
Once taxes are 120 days late, Savannah adds a 5% penalty to all bills except homestead property less than $500.
| Timing | What It Means | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| First installment | Usually mid-June; 2026 listed as June 15 | Pay or save receipt if mortgage escrow pays. |
| Second installment | Usually mid-November; full current taxes must be paid by this date to avoid interest/penalty | Do not leave partial balance unpaid after this date. |
| After 5 p.m. | Online payments after 5 p.m. Eastern process next business day | Pay before business cutoff near deadlines. |
| 120 days late | 5% penalty may be added, with stated homestead exception under $500 | Resolve before penalty stage if possible. |
| Tax sale stage | Online payment not accepted for tax sale/FiFa properties; certified funds required | Contact Property Tax Office immediately. |
How City of Savannah property tax is calculated
Savannah city tax depends on Chatham County assessed value, exemptions, the city millage rate, and any applicable rollback or credits shown on the city bill.
1. County value
Chatham Board of Assessors sets the appraised value and assessment records used for the city digest.
2. Taxable value
Homestead, Stephens-Day and special exemptions can reduce taxable value for eligible property owners.
3. City millage
The City’s 2026 net millage rate is listed as 11.749 mills in the tax digest and revenue ordinance context.
| Step | Example | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Assessed / taxable value | $200,000 taxable value | After appraisal and exemptions, before city millage. |
| City net millage | 11.749 mills | $11.749 per $1,000 of taxable value. |
| Estimated city tax | $200,000 ÷ 1,000 × 11.749 = $2,349.80 | City-only estimate before bill-specific adjustments. |
| County / school taxes | Separate Chatham County bill | Not paid just because the city bill is paid. |
| Official bill | City portal amount controls | Always pay the official balance, not a rough estimate. |
Savannah homestead exemption, Stephens-Day freeze and special exemptions
Exemptions are filed with Chatham County Board of Assessors, not directly with the City Revenue payment desk. They can affect city bills after the assessor records are updated.
General homestead
For Chatham residents who own and occupy the home and land as their permanent residence as of January 1. Rental property does not qualify.
One homestead only
Only one homestead is allowed to one immediate family group. The person filing must reside on the property and be on the title.
Stephens-Day exemption
A freeze-style exemption equal to the difference between current fair market value and adjusted base year value, with improvements added as stated by the assessor.
CPI applies
Chatham Assessors state the CPI percentage is applied to the Savannah-Chatham school levy base year value and also to City of Savannah bills.
Special exemptions
Senior, disability, disabled veteran, surviving spouse, city, floating homestead and tax deferral programs may require age, income or disability proof.
Current-year timing
Applications filed on or before the annual assessment notice’s 45-day appeal due date are considered for the current tax year.
1
Confirm your exemption status firstCheck records before filing duplicate paperwork.
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Use ChathamTax records / e-file or Board of Assessors records to confirm whether homestead, Stephens-Day or special exemptions are already attached to the property.
2
Prepare required proofThe assessor lists required and possible supplemental documents.
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Prepare a valid Georgia Driver’s License or Georgia ID, vehicle registration for vehicles owned and registered in the applicant’s name, and possible supplemental proof such as a prior-year utility bill or Chatham County voter registration card.
3
File with Chatham Board of AssessorsOnline filings are available for many tasks.
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Use the Chatham Board of Assessors Homestead Exemptions page or visit 222 West Oglethorpe Avenue, Suite 113, Savannah, GA 31401. The assessor lists office hours as Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
How to appeal a Savannah property value
Appeal the assessment value through Chatham County Board of Assessors. The City of Savannah Revenue Department cannot lower your appraisal value at the payment counter.
Appeal checklist before filing
- 1Read the assessment notice date. The normal appeal period is tied to the annual notice of assessment’s 45-day appeal due date.
- 2Compare property facts. Check land, building area, condition, use, ownership and exemptions before building the appeal.
- 3Gather market evidence. Use comparable sales, appraisals, repair estimates and photos of condition issues.
- 4Understand HB 581 / 299C notes. Chatham forms warn that an appeal may affect 299C value protection in certain tax years.
- 5Keep paying if billed. Chatham property-exemption guidance suggests satisfying taxes if you have a pending appeal and receive a tax bill.
Appeal links
| Evidence Type | Helpful For | Prepare This |
|---|---|---|
| Comparable sales | Market value appeal | Nearby, similar property sales near the valuation date. |
| Condition photos | Value reduction due to defects | Dated photos of damage, deferred maintenance or structural problems. |
| Repair estimates | Cost-to-cure support | Licensed contractor bids, inspection reports and invoices. |
| Property-card corrections | Wrong data | Square footage, finished area, land use, building type or exemption error. |
| Uniformity examples | Unequal assessment | Similar properties assessed lower for similar facts. |
City of Savannah personal property tax and business returns
City personal property taxes are also based on the approved county tax digest. If you no longer own the personal property listed, the correction starts with Chatham County Tax Assessor records.
Business personal property
Chatham forms include business personal property returns for furniture, fixtures, machinery, equipment, inventory, aircraft, boats and motors.
Aircraft / boats
Separate forms exist for aircraft and marine personal property returns.
Real property returns
Chatham lists the Taxpayer’s Return of Real Property for filing between January 1 and April 1.
Sold or no longer owned
Savannah personal property guidance says to file an amended return with Chatham County Tax Assessor or call 912-652-7271.
What happens when a City of Savannah property tax bill becomes delinquent
The City follows Georgia property tax execution and tax sale procedures. Once a parcel reaches tax sale handling, online payment may no longer be available.
| Stage | City Guidance | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Current bill | Partial payments accepted up to second installment due date | Pay full current taxes by second installment to avoid interest/penalty. |
| After due date | Interest/penalty can apply after the second installment due date | Check balance online and pay immediately if account is still eligible. |
| 120 days late | 5% penalty added except homestead property less than $500 | Contact Property Tax Office before penalties stack. |
| Tax execution / FiFa | Handled under Georgia tax execution procedures | Ask for payoff and certified-funds instructions. |
| Tax sale scheduled | Online payment not accepted; certified funds required | Pay in full by close of business the day before scheduled sale if attempting to remove from sale. |
City of Savannah property tax office contacts
Use the city for city bill/payment questions, Chatham Tax Commissioner for county tax payment questions, and Chatham Board of Assessors for values, exemptions and appeals.
City Revenue / Property Tax
Use for: City of Savannah bill, city payment, receipt, installments, delinquency, tax sale status.
Phone: 912-651-6455
Fax: 912-651-6957
Chatham Board of Assessors
Use for: values, property records, homestead, Stephens-Day, special exemptions, appeals, filings.
Phone: 912-652-7271
Office: 222 W Oglethorpe Ave, Suite 113
Chatham Tax Commissioner
Use for: Chatham County property tax bills, county receipts, tag/title/tax business.
Phone: 912-652-7100
Office: 222 W Oglethorpe Ave #107
| Office / Payment Route | Address / Mail | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| City Revenue Department | 305 Fahm Street; P.O. Box 1228, Savannah, GA 31402 | City property tax bill/payment questions. |
| Coastal Georgia Center Cashier | 305 Fahm Street, Savannah, GA 31401 | In-person payments and cashiering. |
| Chatham Board of Assessors | 222 W Oglethorpe Ave, Suite 113, Savannah, GA 31401 | Value, exemption and appeal questions. |
| Chatham Tax Commissioner | 222 W Oglethorpe Ave #107, Savannah, GA 31401 | County tax payment and receipt questions. |
Map to City of Savannah Revenue / Cashier area
Use this map for the Coastal Georgia Center / Cashier’s Office area. For exemptions and appeals, use the Chatham Board of Assessors office at the Pete Liakakis Government Building.
Official City of Savannah and Chatham property tax resources
Use these for live searches, payments, filings and verification. The article above explains the path so users do not have to open every link just to understand the process.
City of Savannah property tax FAQs
Short answers for homeowners, landlords, buyers, escrow customers and investors trying to pay, search, appeal or reduce a Savannah property tax bill.
QWhere do I pay City of Savannah property taxes online?▾
Use the official City of Savannah Revenue Department online property tax information and payment site. It is for City of Savannah property taxes only.
QDo I also need to pay Chatham County property tax?▾
Yes, if the property is inside Savannah city limits and Chatham County. The city states that residents within Savannah’s city limits must pay both county and city property taxes under Georgia law.
QWhat is the City of Savannah tax due date?▾
City real property taxes are billed in installments. The 2026 first installment was listed as due June 15, 2026. The second installment is generally due in mid-November. Always use the current bill or portal date.
QCan I pay only part of the bill?▾
The city accepts partial payments of current taxes up to the second installment due date, but current taxes must be paid in full by that date to avoid interest or penalty.
QWhat fees apply online?▾
The city lists no fee for eCheck payments under $15,000. Credit/debit payments under $15,000 carry a 2.45% transaction fee. The minimum payment amount is $10.
QWho handles homestead exemption?▾
Chatham County Board of Assessors handles homestead, Stephens-Day and special exemptions. The City Revenue Department does not approve exemptions at the payment counter.
QWhat is Stephens-Day exemption?▾
It is a homestead-related exemption that generally limits taxable value growth by comparing the current fair market value to an adjusted base year value, with improvements and CPI rules applied as described by Chatham Board of Assessors.
QHow do I appeal a high Savannah property value?▾
Appeal through Chatham County Board of Assessors during the assessment notice appeal window. Prepare comparable sales, property-card errors, condition photos, repair estimates and exemption documentation.
QWhat happens if Savannah property tax is late?▾
Once taxes are 120 days late, Savannah adds a 5% penalty to all bills except homestead property less than $500. Delinquent property may move toward tax execution and tax sale handling.
QIs PropertyTaxUSA.org official?▾
No. PropertyTaxUSA.org is an independent guide. Verify all bills, due dates, payment status, exemptions, appeals and tax sale details with official City of Savannah and Chatham County sources.
Bottom line
For City of Savannah property taxes, think: Chatham Assessors set value and exemptions → City Revenue bills city tax → Chatham Tax Commissioner bills county tax separately → owner verifies both bills before deadlines. Use the City portal for city payment, Chatham Board of Assessors for value/exemption/appeal issues, and Chatham Tax Commissioner for county tax payments.
Independent guide notice: This page is not the City of Savannah, Chatham County Board of Assessors, Chatham County Tax Commissioner, a payment processor or legal advice. Official government sources control bills, balances, due dates, penalties, appeals, exemptions and tax sale status.