Will my VA refinance meet the recoupment rule?

A VA streamline refinance (IRRRL) has a hard rule: the fees have to pay for themselves within 36 months. Enter your numbers to see your recoupment period and whether the loan clears that bar.

Your current VA loan

TODAY

Current balance

Current rate

Payment (P&I)

First payment date on your current loan

Used for the seasoning test. VA needs 210 days since this date and six payments made before an IRRRL can close.

The IRRRL you're offered

PROPOSED

New rate

New term

yrs

VA funding fee

0.5% for most IRRRLs. Never recouped.

Exempt from the funding fee — receiving or eligible for VA disability compensation, DIC, or a Purple Heart on active duty. A 0% rating is not exempt.

Closing costs

LOAN ESTIMATE, PAGE 2

Read these straight off page 2 of the Loan Estimate your lender gave you. Only the first two count toward the 36-month test — the funding fee, taxes, prepaids and escrow are excluded by statute.

Total Loan Costs (D)

Boxes A + B + C. All of it recoups.

Recording fees (from E)

Recording only — not transfer taxes.

Lender credits (J)

Shown negative on the form; enter it positive.

Prepaids and escrow (F + G)

Financed, never recouped.

Roll costs into the new loan (IRRRLs are usually structured this way)

New loan amount

Optional — leave blank to derive it.

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Enter your current balance and payment to check the 36-month rule.

Save or send these numbersEmail

All four happen in your browser. Your figures are not sent anywhere — the email opens in your own mail app, already filled in.

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How VA recoupment actually worksA written guide to the rules behind this calculator →

For educational purposes only and not a commitment to lend. VA recoupment rules count fees, closing costs and expenses other than taxes, insurance, and escrow — lender interpretations vary. IRRRLs also require a net tangible benefit. Confirm eligibility and exact figures with a VA-approved lender.