Most homeowners are eligible for this exemption if they own and occupy their property as their principal place of residence. First-time applicants must have been the occupants of the property as of January 1 of the tax year in question.Link to obtain further information about the various exemptions that are offered, the documents and filing process required for each exemption to be claimed. If you believe your property qualifies for exemption, you should apply to the Board of Review (BOR) with proof that the property should be exempt. The Alternative General Homestead Exemption was created under. Summary. In April 2023, Cook County prioritized three research questions regarding Illinois' homestead exemptions for further study. Join us for a workshop to learn about the Cook County Assessor's Office and homeowner exemptions.