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.Applicants must also have been, or will be, a resident of West Virginia for two consecutive calendar years prior to filing the claim. Do you qualify for a Homestead Exemption tax break? All new applicants must file between July 1st and December 1st of each year. Application may be made at your County Assessors Office. All new applicants must file between July 1 and December 1 of each year. Those eligible for homestead exemption only need to apply once. The homestead exemption in West Virginia covers both real estate and personal property up to a certain value. There are some rules for the Homestead Exemption.