The Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable portion of your property assessment if you own your primary residence in Philadelphia. This Video Shows you How to Complete an Application for Homestead Exemption.File this form and all supporting documentation with the appraisal district office in each county in which the property is located generally between Jan. You must apply with your county appraisal district to get a homestead exemption. Applying is free and only needs to be filed once. If you want to research your state's homestead exemptions, check the website or call the office of your county or local tax assessor's office. A homestead exemption is a legal provision that shields a home from some creditors following the death of a homeowner's spouse or the declaration of bankruptcy. Property tax bills are going up for many Philadelphians. Here's how to access new tax relief measures. The City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have several programs to help homeowners.