In bankruptcy, a homestead exemption protects equity in your home. Here, you'll find specific information about the homestead exemption in New York.Exemption applications must be filed with your local assessor's office. See our Municipal Profiles for your local assessor's mailing address. It is a local option to establish two separate property tax rates: a lower tax rate for residential property owners. This can provide asset protection from creditors for at least some of house's value. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act on May 20, 1862. Douglas County has additional exemptions. Homestead exemption protect property assets from probate. Properties recognized under laws of homestead are off-limits to creditors seeking attachment.