A business usually has many assets. When sold, these assets must be classified as capital assets, depreciable property used in the business, real property used in the business, or property held for sale to customers, such as inventory or stock in trade. The gain or loss on each asset is figured separately. Qualified Small Business Stock For taxpayers other than corporations, Sec. 1202 excludes from gross income at least 50% of the gain recognized on the sale or exchange of qualified small business stock (QSBS) that is held more than five years. Ordinary loss on the sale, exchange, or worthlessness of small business (section 1244) stock. Ordinary gain or loss on securities or commodities held in connection with your trading business, if you previously made a mark-to-market election.