Exemption applications must be filed with your local assessor's office. See our Municipal Profiles for your local assessor's mailing address.Principal Residence Required: The Homestead Exemption in New York only applies to the debtor's primary residence. How do I file a declared homestead? Complete a homestead declaration form. To qualify for the homeowners' exemption, the home must have been the principal residence of the owner as of January 1 of that tax year. To claim the exemption, the homeowner must make a one-time filing with the county assessor where the property is located. It is a local option to establish two separate property tax rates: a lower tax rate for residential property owners. Fill out this form and our personal injury or debt attorneys will contact you for a free evaluation. First Name(Required).