Learn the tax implications for each type of sale. In a stock sale, the buyer acquires equity from the target company's shareholders.While stock sales occur between the stockholder (business owner) and the buyer, asset sales occur between the company itself and the buyer. 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 may allow you to benefit from tax advantages, such as offsetting gains with capital losses, potentially reducing your overall tax liability. Asset Sale lets buyers choose specific assets and liabilities; Stock Sale doesn't. An asset is ideal if you want more demand and a higher sale price, while a stock sale is ideal if you want to sell sooner and at favorable tax terms. Sales of tangible personal property are subject to New York sales tax unless they are specifically exempt. Sales of services are generally exempt.