In an asset sale, a firm sells some or all of its actual assets, either tangible or intangible. In an asset sale, the new owner purchases the business's physical assets.The seller retains all rights to the legal entity. Businesses must report and pay use tax on items purchased from out-of-state vendors not required to collect California tax on their sales. The Personal Property Unit is responsible for the discovery and assessment of all taxable business property, boats, commercial and private aircraft. An asset sale occurs when the assets of your business are sold to a buyer.