The Appraisal Division is responsible for the appraisal of all real property in Chatham County. Real property values are established and are effective on January 1 of the most recent reappraisal year (2025). The next reappraisal is scheduled for 2029.
Real property includes any of the following: The land itself, buildings such as houses, garages, sheds, in-ground pools, barns, retail stores, manufacturing plants, or other permanent fixtures on land.
The Appraisal Department staff works directly with the Chatham County Central Permits & Building Inspections Department. When a permit is pulled, appraisal staff will review the permit, visit the property if necessary, and list any changes to the property.
Chatham County does not mail listing forms for real property. However, it’s the property owner’s responsibility to notify the Tax Office of any changes to property. Changes may include building a deck, finishing a basement or attic, adding a porch, building a carport, garage, barn, storage building or removal of any structure. Failure to report changes may result in additional taxes and penalties.
New structures are assessed based on the percentage of completion on January 1 each year. If you start building a new house in October 2024 and on January 1, 2025 it is incomplete, you are assessed on the percentage that has been completed on January 1, 2025. The percentage of completion will be reflected in the tax bill you receive in the summer of 2025.
