To claim the exemption, the homeowner must make a one-time filing with the county assessor where the property is located. Complete form BOE-266, Claim for Homeowners'.Property Tax Exemption. Complete a homestead declaration form. The County Assessor administers the homeowner tax exemption program, which allows homeowners to claim a. 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. If the property being billed is not being rented, complete and return the exemption form included with your billing statement. (2) I am the declared homestead owner of the above declared homestead. The Rental Unit Business Tax Exemption form requires proof of residency in order to qualify for the owner occupied exemption. Proposition 58 allow the new property owners to avoid property tax increases when acquiring property from their parents or children.