An asset sale is the purchase of individual assets and liabilities, whereas a stock sale is the purchase of the owner's shares of a corporation. Learn the tax implications for each type of sale.Asset Sale lets buyers choose specific assets and liabilities; Stock Sale doesn't. While an asset sale outshines a stock sale in company structure support, it loses a fair amount of points when it comes to tax implications. Asset Sale: In an asset sale, the seller gives the buyer assets. In a stock sale, the buyer simply purchases the outstanding stock of your company directly from each stockholder. In an asset sale, the buyer selects specific assets and typically avoids inheriting liabilities. Figure PPE 21 compares asset acquisitions and business combinations. This figure is not intended to address all accounting similarities or differences.