An asset sale gives the buyer a clean slate even if they continue using the old company's name. Asset Sale lets buyers choose specific assets and liabilities; Stock Sale doesn't.Learn the tax implications for each type of sale. ​​ The main difference between asset sales vs. 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. An asset sale is when a company sells assets, such as equipment, customer lists, goodwill, and licenses. In this type of sale, there is no change in ownership. In a stock sale, the buyer acquires equity from the target company's shareholders. An asset sale is where the buyer purchases a collection of assets and legal rights (and sometimes liabilities) relating to the business. Both the seller and purchaser of a group of assets that makes up a trade or business must use Form 8594 to report such a sale.