The Arizona homestead exemption is automatic, meaning that no written claim is required. It involves completing a form and submitting it to the county recorder's office.Application deadline date is September 1st of the current year. Learn about Arizona's homestead exemption laws, including eligibility, benefits and how they protect your home from creditors in estate planning. To qualify, you must live in the home as your primary residence. If you own your home without a mortgage and its current market value is less than the exemption amount, it is completely exempt from claims of your creditors. A mortgage or deed of trust, a lien for labor or materials or a recorded civil judgment if the equity in the property exceeds the exemption. A homestead exemption protects a person's equity in their home. If you are responsible for paying taxes, i.e. NOTE: Enrollment in this program is restricted to state and county staff involved in the valuation of property for ad valorem purposes.