At its core, homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of a homeowner's primary residence, meaning a portion of the home value will not be taxed. This reduction results in lower property tax bills.
The exemption is not entered anywhere on your federal income tax return. Homestead exemptions are usually filed at your county courthouse, at the tax assessor's office.
To protect the value of your property up to one million dollars ($1,000,000) per residence, per family, you must file a document called a “Declaration of Homestead”. You can file this form at the Registry of Deeds in the county or district where your property is located, referencing the title/deed to the property.