To stake your homestead claim, you need to be living in the property as of January 1st of the tax year you're applying for. GENERAL INFORMATION: Property owners applying for a residence homestead exemption file this form and supporting documentation with the appraisal district in.Welcome to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser's online Homestead Exemption application! Most forms are in PDF format, click the icon below to download Adobe Reader. Complete list of Texas Comptroller Property Tax Forms and Applications click here.