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.An asset sale otherwise known as an asset deal or asset purchase is a special type of business sale that only deals with assets and liabilities. In a stock sale, the buyer acquires equity from the target company's shareholders. 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. Asset Sale lets buyers choose specific assets and liabilities; Stock Sale doesn't. Unlike asset sales, stock sales do not require conveyances of each individual asset. As a general rule, sellers prefer stock sales and buyers prefer asset sales. Generally, a stock sale is better for the seller and an asset sale is better for the buyer. An asset sale allows the transfer of specific assets and liabilities while the seller remains being owner of the legal entity.