we have a client who is a self employed dentist with a profit sharing plan. there are also 3 eligible employees in the plan. can anyone suggest an easy way to calculate ideal salary for owner? I am going in circles....

The SE income is what it is. For what purpose are you trying to calculate an "ideal salary"? Are you trying to tell him what earned income he needs to make the testing work?

guess I would start with the assumption of 5% to the rank and file.
see what is left over for the ownerafter taking off 1/2 FICA, see if there is enough $ to supposrt at least 15% contribution and still pass testing

I know it's never easy, but please tell the Doctor to take $200k and pay his FICA taxes, cause those taxes are desperately needed for the manned space flight to Mars.

Andy-
If I go, do I get an automatic extension on filing my 5500s?

No, but we will deem you to be on the three year filing cycle.

Oops, it slipped by me (but not by Blinky) that he's self employed, so salary is irrelevant unless he's a cash-only dentist.

The FICA Lock Box will be happy.