The regular filing deadline is February 15th to receive the full exemption. 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.Complete a homestead declaration form. Sign your declaration in front of a notary. To claim the exemption, the homeowner must make a one-time filing with the county assessor where the property is located. 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. Many California families are forgetting to claim a common homeowner tax break. Page form can get you your discount. Own your home and you automatically have a homestead exemption. You don't have to do anything to get certain protection of your equity from judicial creditors.