GENERAL INFORMATION: Property owners applying for a residence homestead exemption file this form and supporting documentation with the appraisal district in. Bought a primary residence within the past year in Texas?It's time to file for your Texas Homestead Exemption. Most counties have the homestead exemption form online. Applying for the homestead exemption is FREE and easy. You must apply with your county appraisal district to get a homestead exemption. Applying is free and only needs to be filed once. This video will cover how to fill out the homestead exemption form. An updated Texas issued Driver License or Identification card showing your current physical address is required to qualify for the homestead exemption. Specifically, homestead laws allow individuals to declare a portion of their property as "homestead" and therefore protected from a forced sale.