Complete a homestead declaration form. Sign your declaration in front of a notary.The regular filing deadline is February 15th to receive the full exemption. Depending on your state, you can apply for your exemption online or you'll need to visit a local government office to fill out the paperwork. 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. The new law eliminates many qualifying conditions and provides a homestead exemption to anyone with a principal residence. There is no charge for filing for the Homeowner Exemption. New property owners will automatically receive an exemption application in the mail. A homestead exemption is automatically applied to your residence but only upon the forced sale of the property. Welcome to the Superior Court of Santa Clara County.