You must file with the county or city where your home is located. Each county has different applications and required documents.Homestead Applications are Filed with Your County Tax Officials - Application for homestead exemption must be filed with the. April 1 is the deadline to apply for the current year. In order to accomplish this, both state and federal law exempt certain assets from the claims of creditors while providing creditors with some protections. The program provides for the reduction or exemption of real estate property taxes for qualified homeowners, and up to 10 acres of land for certain homeowners.