The short answer is that a stock sale is better for you, the seller, while the buyer benefits from an asset sale. But, since we're talking about the IRS, there are infinite variations and complications. As such, you will want to get professional tax and legal advice before proceeding.
Generally speaking, sales of assets such as equipment, buildings, vehicles and furniture will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates, while intangible assets such as goodwill or intellectual property will be taxed at capital gains rates.
Disadvantages of Asset Sale The seller is subject to a double layer of taxation. Transferring assets may be more complicated. Agreements tied to certain assets may need to be renegotiated.
Disadvantages of an asset sale More complex: Since individual assets need to be transferred, the transaction can be more time-consuming and require more paperwork. Consents and assignments: Some contracts or agreements may require specific consents or approvals for the transfer of assets.
The short answer is that a stock sale is better for you, the seller, while the buyer benefits from an asset sale. But, since we're talking about the IRS, there are infinite variations and complications. As such, you will want to get professional tax and legal advice before proceeding.
The benefit of an asset sale, from the buyer's perspective, is that it can select which assets and liabilities to acquire in the deal, compared to a stock sale or merger, where the buyer acquires all the assets and liabilities of the target.
Disadvantages of an asset sale More complex: Since individual assets need to be transferred, the transaction can be more time-consuming and require more paperwork. Consents and assignments: Some contracts or agreements may require specific consents or approvals for the transfer of assets.
In a share deal, the buyer acquires a separate legal entity, while under an asset deal the assets and liabilities acquired can be transferred directly into the purchasing legal entity. However, it is often useful to establish a separate legal entity that takes over the business that was acquired via the asset deal.
Stock purchases refer to buying shares of the selling business. Asset deals occur when the buyer acquires the target company's operating assets. The seller retains complete business ownership following an asset transaction, and no business ownership is transferred to the buyer.