How does “small entity status” affect a patent?

By qualifying as a small entity, some patent related fees can be reduced by 50 percent.  All other aspects of the patent remain the same.  Small entity status was created to try and cut down the financial burden placed on inventors, while making large corporation pay a higher share.  When granted small entity status, filing, issue, and maintenance fees will all be reduced by half.  Although the filing, issue, and maintenance fees are all subject to change, and usually do get altered on the first of October every year, small entity status will always reduce their current value.  Only certain entities may qualify for small entity status, including: independent inventors, small businesses with less than 500 employees, and nonprofit organizations.