First-time applicants must have been the occupants of the property as of January 1 of the tax year in question. All forms are fillable.You can fill it out in Reader and print it from there. The BOR accepts exemption applications for approximately 30 days, four times each year. I'm going to show you how to apply for the homeowner exemption online with the cook county assessor's office. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. You must complete the Project Abstract Summary form provided in the application package.