GENERAL INFORMATION: Property owners applying for a residence homestead exemption file this form and supporting documentation with the appraisal district in. This video will cover how to fill out the homestead exemption form.You must apply with your county appraisal district to get a homestead exemption. Applying is free and only needs to be filed once. Bought a primary residence within the past year in Texas? It's time to file for your Texas Homestead Exemption. To qualify for a homestead exemption in Texas, property owners must own and occupy their property as their principal residence on January 1st of the tax year. An owner may only file one homestead exemption, and the application must be filed with the Appraisal District in the county the property is located in. 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. Have Texans increased the homestead exemption in the past?