The Homestead Exemption law under § 5206 in New York State protects a debtor's primary residence from becoming collateral against monetary judgments. Exemption applications must be filed with your local assessor's office.See our Municipal Profiles for your local assessor's mailing address. You can get information about your property tax benefits, including: Application status, Current benefit amounts, Proposed benefit for the upcoming tax year. A homestead exemption protects the value of a home from property taxes and creditors after the death of a homeowner's spouse. Homestead exemption protect property assets from probate. Properties recognized under laws of homestead are off-limits to creditors seeking attachment. While most property owners must apply to receive the credit from the state, some property owners can apply to receive STAR as a property tax exemption. Specifically, homestead laws allow individuals to declare a portion of their property as "homestead" and therefore protected from a forced sale. Please read the instructions before completing this application.