Applicant must show proof of legal residency in West Virginia and property tax payments for two consecutive years preceding the relevant tax year. The impact of veterans' homestead exemptions is much different from the other types of exemptions.Property taxes remain the largest source of financing for local governments in the United States. The General Homestead Exemption is granted automatically in most cases. You may file up to 4 exemptions. Many states will require that you live in your home as a primary residence to qualify for a property tax exemption.