Homestead Exemption is one way to reduce the amount of property tax you pay on your residential property. A homestead exemption reduces the amount of property taxes homeowners owe on their legal residence.In order to file for homestead exemption, the homeowner must be the owner of record and occupy the property as the principal residence. The deadline for filing an application for a homestead exemption in Houston County is April 1. You can find an Application for Homestead Exemption on the Department of Revenue website. Check with your county for local exemption and deferral applications. 1 of the tax year, you may qualify for homestead exemption. The application may be available online or in person. REMINDER: Friday, April 1, is the last day to file for Homestead Exemption for this tax year's benefits. Valuation of Conservation Use Property.