To claim the exemption, the homeowner must make a one-time filing with the county assessor where the property is located. All homeowners automatically have a homeowner's exemption, which protects part of their equity from involuntary sales (foreclosures).Complete a homestead declaration form. Sign your declaration in front of a notary. Filing a homestead declaration creates a legal barrier that shields up to a statutory amount of equity in your home from certain creditors. Complete form BOE-266, Claim for Homeowners'. Property Tax Exemption. The Homestead Declaration must be recorded with the County Recorder to be valid. Currently, the California homestead exemption is automatic, meaning that a homestead declaration does not need to be filed with the county clerk. The new law eliminates many qualifying conditions and provides a homestead exemption to anyone with a principal residence.
