What's the difference between an asset sale and a stock sale, and which is better for me as a seller?

In a stock sale, the buyer purchases shares of your company, which is often preferable for sellers due to lower capital gains tax rates and potential QSBS benefits. However, stock sales may expose you to lingering liabilities. In a asset sale, the buyer purchases individual business assets, which can lead to higher taxes for the seller and may be complex, but buyers prefer asset sales for tax advantages and reduced risk of liabilities.