Complete the Homestead Declaration form. The form must be printed legibly in black ink.You can get information about your property tax benefits, including: Application status, Current benefit amounts, Proposed benefit for the upcoming tax year. Send only one application per envelope, even if several people in the same house (e.g. , multiple owners) are filing applications. How do I split my exemption? The homestead exemp- tion provides a reduction in property taxes to qualified senior or disabled citizens, or a surviving spouse, on the dwelling that is that. Most homeowners are eligible for this exemption if they own and occupy their property as their principal place of residence. Eligibility is based on age or disability, home ownership and residency, and income. To apply, a homestead exemption application (DTE 105A) must be filed with the Auditor after January 1 and on or before December 31 in the year of application.