Complete the Homestead Declaration form. The form must be printed legibly in black ink.President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act on May 20, 1862. The Homestead Act of 1862 was a revolutionary concept for distributing public land in American history. Is the Homestead form difficult to understand and fill out? No. It simply asks for basic information. A homestead exemption is a legal provision that shields a home from some creditors following the death of a homeowner's spouse or the declaration of bankruptcy. It is a local option to establish two separate property tax rates: a lower tax rate for residential property owners. Approved Homestead Declaration Form can be found on the recorder's website for the county in which your property is situated. Method of Verification (must complete one):.