Thousands of women took advantage of the Homestead Act of 1862 that offered free federal land in the United States. GENERAL INFORMATION: Property owners applying for a residence homestead exemption file this form and supporting documentation with the appraisal district in.A homestead exemption is a legal provision that shields a home from some creditors following the death of a homeowner's spouse or the declaration of bankruptcy. The simple answer is the Government of the United States of America could not sell or "give away" land it didn't own or control. For a number of years individual Congressmen put forward bills providing for homesteading, but it was not until 1862 that the first homestead act was passed. Do you live in the property for which you are seeking this residence homestead exemption? What if I miss the filing deadline? You must apply with your county appraisal district to get a homestead exemption. Applying is free and only needs to be filed once. The president signed the bill into law on July 2, 1862.