Complete a homestead declaration form. A new owner will automatically receive an exemption claim form in the mail and there is no cost to file.1. When did you acquire this property? To claim the exemption, the homeowner must make a one-time filing with the county assessor where the property is located. Depending on the type of business, there are different tax types that you will be required to pay. To qualify, you must own and occupy the home as permanent residence on January 1st of the year in which you want to claim the exemption. It is a local option to establish two separate property tax rates: a lower tax rate for residential property owners. Welcome to the Superior Court of Santa Clara County. Jury Service, E-Filing, Traffic Tickets, Self-Help, Contact Clerk's Office. One of the important exemptions for Chapter 7 filers in California is the state homestead exemption, which can save a debtor's home from seizure and sale.