Buy a declared homestead form from an office-supply store, or download a form from the Registrar-Recorder's website. To claim the exemption, the homeowner must make a one-time filing with the county assessor where the property is located.Complete form BOE-266, Claim for Homeowners'. Property Tax Exemption. Simply put, a homestead exemption protects your residence's equity from creditors. A homestead exemption protects home equity from a homeowner's creditors, up to a certain dollar amount. Los Angeles, CA 90012. A homestead exemption can protect a homeowner's principal residence from creditors against loss in the case of bankruptcy, judgment or death of a spouse. Assets that are owned jointly with your spouse, but are not included in the living trust, may lose their estate tax exemption. New owners automatically receive an exemption claim form in the mail; there is no cost to file for the exemption.