The two most common ways to transfer ownership of a business are a stock sale and an asset purchase. Sales may be asset sales or entity sales.When reporting a sale, include the new owner's name and mailing address. An asset sale is where you form your own legal entity okay and then we're going to move all of these assets and all of this cash over into your legal entity. It's easier to sell a business if you are in a strong financial positionwith healthy cash flow and low debt levels. Who needs a Business License? Anyone operating or doing business in the City of Oakland is required to file and pay an annual business tax. In an asset sale, only a list of the assets being transferred is required.