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.Complete a homestead declaration form. Exemption. Complete form BOE-266, Claim for Homeowners'. Property Tax Exemption. If you own and occupy your home as your principal place of residence, you may apply for a Homeowners' 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. According to California State law, Homeowners' Exemptions cannot be granted for prior years. How do I obtain a Homeowners' Exemption application? The Treasurer and Tax Collector mails the Annual Secured Property Tax Bills each year in October to every owner listed on the Secured Tax Roll.