The Principal Residence Exemption (previously known as the Homestead Exemption) is a property tax exemption resulting from property tax reforms put in place by Proposal A of 1994. It is important to note that the Homeowner’s Principal Residence Exemption is a property tax exemption and should not be confused with the Homestead Tax Credit, which is a state income tax credit.

The Homeowner’s Principal Residence Exemption exempts a property owner from paying the 18 mills of local school operating tax on the owner’s principal residence. Vacant land that is contiguous to the owner’s principal residence is also eligible.

In order to request the exemption, an owner must file a Homeowner’s Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit with the local assessor.

When an owner sells their principal residence or is no longer using a property as a principal residence, they're required to file a Request to Rescind Homeowner’s Principal Residence Exemption with the local assessor.

Property and/or buildings used for commercial purposes are not eligible to receive the Homeowner’s Principal Residence Exemption unless the commercial use is a shared use with the homeowner’s principal residence.

If you fail to file a Homeowner’s Principal Residence Exemption when your property is eligible, you will pay too much tax. If you fail to rescind the exemption when the property no longer qualifies, you could be billed by the State, County, or local Treasurer for additional taxes, penalties and interest.