A homestead exemption can benefit homeowners if one spouse in a twoincome household dies. This can provide asset protection from creditors for at least some of house's value.Homestead exemptions can protect a home up to a certain value of the homeowner's equity in it. To ensure you qualify, be sure to click the link next to the summary to see your state's complete tax exemption requirements. S.B. 58, Laws 2024, effective May 1, 2024. In 2015, the General Assembly amended the law to allow a surviving spouse an exemption based on the death in the line of duty of their spouse. Under the law, the house that you own and live in as your primary residence is a homestead.