How to Complete the Application. Fill out the other side of this application completely.To apply for a Homestead Exemption, you must submit the following to the Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD):. No information is available for this page. File this form and all supporting documentation with the appraisal district office in each county in which the property is located generally between Jan. The application may be available online or in person. Filing for your homestead exemption is January 1 and no later than April 30. The general deadline for filing an exemption application is before May 1. Instructions for completing this form are on the back of the form. Complete the Form and mail After Jan.