The Chatham County Tax Commissioner’s Office is reminding property owners that 2026 second-installment property tax bills are now available online to print and pay. We are encouraging taxpayers to review their bills carefully before the payment deadline.

Tax bills are expected to begin arriving in mailboxes in mid-September. Payment is due November 15, 2026. Due to the delay in timeliness of recent mail deliveries, taxpayers can register to receive their tax bill via email. Simply go online and sign up for an electronic tax bill (tax.chathamcountyga.gov).

“We want homeowners to understand exactly what they are seeing on their 2026 tax bills,” said Chatham County Tax Commissioner Sonya L. Jackson.

“This year’s bills include important tax relief provisions, including additions to Chatham County’s school homestead exemptions and the state’s Homeowner Tax Relief Grant (HTRG). Most homestead properties will notice a reduction in property taxes. We encourage everyone to review their bill and make sure they understand their exemptions, credits and payment amount.”

New for 2026: Additional School Homestead Exemption Chatham County homeowners may notice a double exemption on their 2026 property tax bill.

This is the result of legislation approved by the Georgia General Assembly this year. House Bill 782 provides that homeowners who already receive Chatham County’s longstanding homestead exemption will also automatically receive the newer Chatham County floating homestead exemption for school district taxes.

Qualifying homeowners can receive both homestead benefits. The newer exemption is designed to protect homeowners from increases in the taxable value of their homestead for Chatham County school district taxes when the property’s assessed value increases above its applicable base-year value.

Homeowners did not need to submit a separate application to receive the newer exemption if they already qualify for the existing Chatham County homestead exemption. Understanding the HTRG Credit Homeowners will see an item on their bill labeled “HTRG Credit.”

The HTRG is a one-time state-funded property tax relief program for qualifying homesteaded properties for tax year 2026. The Georgia General Assembly appropriated $850 million for the program, providing an eligible assessed value of up to $18,000 for each qualifying homestead.

The HTRG Credit is separate from the regular homestead exemption. It is a credit applied to the tax bill and reduces the amount of property taxes owed. Homeowners did not need to file a separate application for the HTRG credit when they already have a qualifying homestead exemption.

Mortgage Companies and Escrow Accounts

Homeowners whose property taxes are paid through a mortgage escrow account should carefully review their bill but should not make a duplicate payment if their mortgage company or escrow servicer is responsible for paying the taxes.

A copy of the tax bill is still mailed to the homeowner even when a mortgage company pays the bill.

Homeowners should contact their mortgage company or loan servicer directly to confirm that the 2026 property taxes will be paid from their escrow account.

The homeowner remains responsible for ensuring that the taxes are paid by the mortgage company by the deadline. Chatham County Maintains 99.3% Collection Rate

The Chatham County Tax Commissioner’s Office continues to maintain a 99.3% property tax collection rate, reflecting the office’s commitment to timely and efficient collection of taxes that support essential county, school, municipal and other public services.

“We are proud of our 99.3% collection rate and appreciate the Chatham County property owners who make their payments on time each year,” Jackson said. “Our goal is to make the billing and payment process as clear, convenient and accessible as possible.”

Tax Bills Available Online Now Property owners do not have to wait for their paper bill to arrive. Property tax bills for 2026 are now available online, where homeowners can view, print and pay their bills. Online payments may be made by e-check, debit card or credit card. Convenience fees may apply; e-check payments are free.

Property taxes may also be paid by mail or in person at any of our Chatham County Tax Commissioner’s seven locations.

For more information or to view and pay a property tax bill, visit tax.chathamcountyga.gov or contact the Chatham County Tax Commissioner’s Office at 912-652-7100.

Key Dates at a Glance

• August 19, 2026: 2026 second-installment property tax bills available online.
• September 15, 2026: Second-installment bills are mailed.
• November 15, 2026: Property tax payment deadline.