I live in Texas (that's where my residency is) 9 months out of the year. I started a seasonal business in Florida. For the months of June-Sept I have to reside in FL to run that business. I had to rent a condo in FL as my shelter for when I'm running the business out there June-Sept but I had to sign a 12 month lease because that's the minimum lease time. The only reason I needed that condo was a place to live for the seasonal business, and it was cheaper than renting a hotel.
Am I able to deduct the rent as a business expense? If so what would I categorize it as? And can I write off the whole 12 months of rent payments even though I only am physically in the condo for 3 months? Would I put this deduction on my corporate tax return or my personal tax return?
Am I able to deduct the rent as a business expense?
No. At least not all of the rent. You can claim a home office in what is essentially a "second home", for the period of time you live there. Basically, a percentage of your rent payment would be deductible, that is equal to the percentage of floor space you claim for the home office. Also, an equal percentage of the utilities used by the business in the home office would also be deductible. Understand that the deductions would only apply for the 9 months you are actually using that home office. There would be no SCH C deductions for the period of time you are not living there.
Be aware also that you will not be able to claim any depreciation with such an arraignment since you don't own the property. You can not depreciate an asset that you do not own.