To qualify, you must own and reside in your home on January 1 of the year application is made and cannot claim a homestead exemption on any other property. Residence Homestead Exemption Application (includes Age 65 or Older, Age 55 or Older Surviving Spouse, and Disabled Person Exemption).You must apply with your county appraisal district to get a homestead exemption. Applying is free and only needs to be filed once. Bought a primary residence within the past year in Texas? It's time to file for your Texas Homestead Exemption. GENERAL INFORMATION: Property owners applying for a residence homestead exemption file this form and supporting documentation with the appraisal district in. Discover how to lower your property taxes in Texas with this guide to homestead exemptions.