Does it cost money to remove PMI?

Asked by: Darion Tillman I  |  Last update: January 12, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (61 votes)

PMI automatically drops off conventional loans once the loan balance is at or below 78% of the home's appraised value. This is called “automatic cancellation.” By law, your mortgage lender is required to terminate PMI on your loan at no cost to you.

Do I have to pay to remove PMI?

The cost to remove PMI depends on the method you use. If you wait until you reach 78% LTV, there's no cost to have PMI removed. However, if you request to have PMI removed early or refinance to remove PMI, you may have to pay for an appraisal or closing costs.

Can PMI be removed if house value increases?

Remember: You might be able to eliminate PMI when your home value rises or when you refinance the mortgage with at least 20 percent equity. But the onus is on you to request it.

Does PMI get refunded?

4905(b)). The servicer must return all unearned PMI premiums to the borrower within 45 days after cancellation or termination of PMI coverage.

Will PMI go away automatically?

Yes. Even if you don't ask your servicer to cancel PMI, in general, your servicer must automatically terminate PMI on the date when your principal balance is scheduled to reach 78 percent of the original value of your home. For your PMI to be cancelled on that date, you need to be current on your payments.

The Fastest Way to Remove or Cancel Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) #PMI

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Should I get an appraisal to remove PMI?

Get an Appraisal

If you live in an area where home prices have skyrocketed (meaning you live just about anywhere in America), you could be sitting on enough home equity to remove PMI. But before your lender will cancel your PMI, you'll need to get an appraisal to prove your home is worth more than you paid for it.

Can PMI be removed from an FHA loan?

“After sufficient equity has built up on your property, refinancing from an FHA or conventional loan to a new conventional loan would eliminate MIP or PMI payments. This is possible as long as your LTV ratio is at 80% or less.”

Can PMI be written off?

At the time of writing, the PMI deduction is not available. If you qualify for past years, you may still be able to deduct PMI. However, the best strategy for eliminating PMI is to pay down your mortgage and request PMI cancellation once you reach 20% equity in your home. Internal Revenue Service.

Is upfront PMI refundable?

Requesting a Refund

A refund of an upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) payment can be requested through HUD's Single Family Insurance Operations Division (SFIOD). On the FHA Connection, go to the Upfront Premium Collection menu and select Request a Refund in the Pay Upfront Premium section.

How long do you have to pay off PMI?

Loan servicers must cancel PMI once you reach a 78 percent LTV ratio, based on the home's original appraised value, or halfway through your loan's term (15 years into a 30-year mortgage, for example).

When must PMI be Cancelled?

If the borrower is current on mortgage payments, PMI must be cancelled automatically once the LTV reaches 78 percent based on the original amortization schedule or when the midpoint of the amortization period is reached (i.e., 15 years on a 30-year mortgage).

Do I have 20% equity in my home?

Determining equity is simple. Take your home's value, and then subtract all amounts that are owed on that property. The difference is the amount of equity you have.

Does PMI affect homeowners insurance?

Is mortgage insurance the same as homeowners insurance? No, private mortgage insurance (PMI) has nothing to do with home insurance and won't protect your home's structure or your personal property or offer liability coverage. Mortgage insurance is protection for your lender in case you default on your mortgage loan.

Is it worth paying off PMI?

While buying a home without a 20% down payment can leave you paying PMI for years, it's still worth it for many consumers. Not only does it help you put down roots and build long-term wealth, but you can also get various tax write-offs and start building equity sooner.

Can a lender refuse to remove PMI?

Yes, a lender can refuse to remove PMI. For instance, if your property does not appraise as expected or you do not satisfy a requirement, a lender can reject your request. However, if you meet the requirements, you can request the removal of PMI.

How much does it cost to waive PMI?

How to remove PMI. Generally, once you reach 20% equity or when you pay your loan balance down to 80% of the purchase price of your home, you can request that your lender or servicer remove PMI from your monthly mortgage payment.

Can you get your PMI money back?

If the mortgage insurance was financed at the time of origination and is canceled prior to its maturity you may be entitled to a refund if the refundable option was chosen at the time of origination. However, if there was no refund/limited option, this would negate any option for a refund.

Is upfront PMI tax deductible?

Legislation making PMI tax deductible was passed in 2006. It applied the deduction to policies issued in the 2007 tax year going forward. The measure has been periodically renewed, but expired after the 2021 tax year. Currently, PMI is not deductible for the 2022 or later tax years.

How long do I have to pay FHA mortgage insurance?

How long will you pay FHA MIP? If you get a 30-year FHA loan and put 3.5 percent down, you'll be paying MIP for the entire term (or for as long as you have the loan). If you put down at least 10 percent, you'll pay for 11 years.

Can I request PMI be removed?

Request PMI removal: You can request the cancellation of PMI once your LTV ratio reaches 80% of the property's original value or lower. You may have to submit a formal request to your loan provider, along with documentation such as proof of home value and a solid payment history.

Can I deduct PMI on my rental property?

While private mortgage insurance (PMI) can't be deducted for a personal residence, it is deductible for an investment property. That's because, with rental properties, mortgage insurance is treated as an ordinary and necessary business expense.

Are closing costs tax deductible?

Generally, deductible closing costs are those for interest, certain mortgage points and deductible real estate taxes. Many other settlement fees and closing costs for buying the property become additions to your basis in the property and part of your depreciation deduction, including: Abstract fees.

Does removing PMI require appraisal?

If you've paid the principal balance below 80% of the home's original value, PMI can typically be removed. This process involves getting a new appraisal to determine the home's current value and ensuring it meets the lender's requirements under the Homeowners Protection Act.

How can I lower my mortgage payment?

Options to reduce mortgage payments include:
  1. Refinance to lower your payment.
  2. Recast your mortgage.
  3. Eliminate your mortgage insurance.
  4. Modify your loan.
  5. Lower your taxes.
  6. Shop around for a lower homeowners insurance rate.
  7. Apply for mortgage forbearance.