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Homestead Exemption 

The City of Port Wentworth provides a $40,000 homestead exemption off the assessed value of residential properties within City limits. Residents who own and occupy a home and the land it rests on as their permanent place of residence, as of January 1 of the taxable year are eligible for homestead exemption. 


Applicants for homestead exemption owning two or more dwelling houses shall be allowed the exemption granted by law on only one of the houses as only one homestead shall be allowed to one immediate family group. Rental property does not qualify. 

Only persons who reside on the property and whose name appears on the title can file for exemptions. Applications must be completed by the property owner, unless another party has been granted power of attorney. 

 

A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your home.

For example, if your home is appraised at $200,000, then the assessed value is 40 percent of that amount, or $80,000. With a $40,000 homestead exemption, you only pay taxes on $40,000.
  • Homestead exemption applications are accepted year-round. Applications received prior to April 1 of a tax year will be processed for the current year. Applications received after April 1 will be applied to the next tax year. However, we encourage all eligible homeowners to apply for any new exemptions by March 15, 2017, to ensure your exemption appears on your 1st installment 2017 tax bill.

    Failure to file within the allocated time for the homestead exemption constitutes a waiver of exemption for that tax year. Georgia law does not provide for extension of time for filing for whatever reason. All exemptions, once approved, are automatically renewed each year until eligibility changes. 

     

    If you have previously applied for a homestead exemption, you do not need to re-apply. If you filed for a homestead exemption with Chatham County, you must also apply with the City of Port Wentworth.

    Applicants who have not filed with the City of Port Wentworth may apply in person at Port Wentworth City Hall, 305 South Coastal Highway, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click here for a printable version of the Homestead Exemption Application.
     

  • Mayor and Council shall serve as the appeal board for review of a denial of a homestead exemption. Any resident may appeal to the Mayor and Council who will coordinate efforts to appeal with the city administrator.

     

    A written appeal must be filed within thirty (30) days after receipt of denial of homestead exemption. The appeal must be filed with the city administrator by certified mail, return receipt. 

     

For general information regarding the City's homestead exemptions, call the City of Port Wentworth at 912-964-4379. For details regarding County eligibility requirements and proper methods of applying for homestead and other exemptions, please contact the Chatham County Board of Assessors at 912-652-7273.

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