In an asset sale, a firm sells some or all of its actual assets, either tangible or intangible. Draw up a comprehensive asset list.An asset list will show a potential buyer exactly what is being sold and the value of each item. An asset sale occurs when the assets of your business are sold to a buyer. A major difference between partnerships and S corporations involves the treatment of distributions of appreciated property. In an asset sale, the new owner purchases the business's physical assets. The seller retains all rights to the legal entity. What type of report do I complete? If you operate a business or own assets used in a business, you should complete the Business Personal Property Return. 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.