Hello, apologies in advance for this really beginner and simple question.

I’ve been a freelancer ever since I graduated college. A year ago I started working for an artist and she put me on W2 after a few months of working. I work 4 days a week, don’t have a contract, don’t get health insurance or benefits, no paid sick leave, etc.

I should’ve been asking these questions a lot sooner but I had too much on my plate this past year. I’m now wondering- what is the point of me being on W2? From the research I’ve done, she has to pay more taxes than if I was W9 right?

I’m basically wondering what the advantage is on her end before I have a conversation with her this week. It’s extremely hard for me to save money when so much gets taken out of my paycheck, and I run my own studio on the side so it would benefit me to write off expenses if I was back on w9.

Thank you in advance for anyone explaining this simple stuff.