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. The main difference between asset sales vs. Stock sales tend to attract taxes too. A seller may pay higher income taxes in an asset sale. In stock sales, the buyer purchases the owner's shares of the corporation. Which Corporations Must File a Return?