Step 1: In order to qualify for an exemption, you must occupy the property on January 1 of the year application is made. 1. When did you acquire this property?Welcome to Online filing of the. General Residence Homestead Exemption Application for 2024. File this form and all supporting documentation with the appraisal district office in each county in which the property is located generally between Jan. The typical deadline for filing a county appraisal district homestead exemption application is between January 1 and April 30. There are some exemptions available to taxpayers to lower their property tax bill. You must apply with your county appraisal district to get a homestead exemption. Applying is free and only needs to be filed once.