Most homeowners are eligible for this exemption if they own and occupy their property as their principal place of residence. Property tax exemptions are savings that contribute to lowering a homeowner's property tax bill.The most common is the Homeowner Exemption. Link to obtain further information about the various exemptions that are offered, the documents and filing process required for each exemption to be claimed. The BOR accepts exemption applications for approximately 30 days, four times each year. A property tax exemption is like a discount applied to your EAV. If you qualify for an exemption, it allows you to lower your EAV. Join us for a workshop to learn about the Cook County Assessor's Office and homeowner exemptions. Own and occupy the property. First-time applicants must have been the occupants of the property as of January 1 of the tax year in question.