As of 2024, the federal homestead exemption is $27,900 for an individual and $55,800 for married couples filing jointly. In contrast, New York's exemption amounts are: $179,950 for the counties of Kings, Queens, New York, Bronx, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam.
Declared Homestead. Currently, the California homestead exemption is automatic, meaning that a homestead declaration does not need to be filed with the county clerk. Under the new 2021 law, $300,000–$600,000 of a home's equity cannot be touched by judgment creditors.
Specifically, homestead laws allow individuals to declare a portion of their property as "homestead" and therefore protected from a forced sale. Under New York's homestead protection law, the amount property owners may declare exempt varies based on county location and range from $75,000 to $150,000.
New Jersey lets filers use either the federal exemption system or New Jersey's state exemption system, which is good news because New Jersey doesn't offer a state homestead exemption.
Who can file a Homestead protection? If you own and occupy (or intend to occupy) your home as a principal residence, you can file a homestead protection.
Qualifying homeowners can get a 35% exemption of the assessed value of a home up to $600,000 (25% for homes over $600,000). Additional deductions are available for seniors, veterans, disabled persons, rehabilitations, and mortgages.
As of 2024, the federal homestead exemption is $27,900 for an individual and $55,800 for married couples filing jointly. In contrast, New York's exemption amounts are: $179,950 for the counties of Kings, Queens, New York, Bronx, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam.
To be eligible for SCHE, you must be 65 or older, earn no more than $58,399 for the last calendar year, and the property must be your primary residence. The exemption must be renewed every two years. Learn more and get answers to frequently asked questions.