An APA spells out the conditions and terms under which a seller will transfer all of the assets that belong to the business to a buyer. The Office of the City Register records and maintains New York City real property and certain personal property transfer records, such as mortgage documents.Asset sales typically generate higher federal taxes because many types of assets are subject to higher ordinary income tax rates. (depends on seller's bracket). You must pay the Real Property Transfer Tax (RPTT) on sales, grants, assignments, transfers or surrenders of real property in New York City.