To claim the exemption, the homeowner must make a one-time filing with the county assessor where the property is located. Complete a homestead declaration form.Complete form BOE-266, Claim for Homeowners'. Property Tax Exemption. This form is used to apply for the Homeowners' Property Tax Exemption in California. Online: Go to Homestead Tax Credit Eligibility Application page, and complete the online form. Filing an online application will be faster than mailing one in. Regular Residential Homestead Exemption applications should be filed between January 1 and April 30. All homeowners automatically have a homeowner's exemption, which protects part of their equity from involuntary sales (foreclosures). With homestead exemption in place, instead of paying taxes on the full assessed value of your home, you'll deduct the amount you qualify for in exemptions.