Information and forms are available from the Sacramento ​County Public Law Library​. Blank forms may also be available at office supply stores. Requirements.A property tax exemption is like a discount applied to your EAV. If you qualify for an exemption, it allows you to lower your EAV. In the event of a sale of homestead property, the homestead exemption shall remain in effect for the remainder of the assessment year of the sale. The senior citizens homestead exemption (35 ILCS. Most homeowners are eligible for this exemption if they own and occupy their property as their principal place of residence. Most homeowners are eligible for this exemption if they own and occupy their property as their principal place of residence. Cook County homeowners may take advantage of several valuable property-tax-saving exemptions. So, a homestead exemption is a legal provision designed to protect the value in a principal dwelling place.