I pulled up a recent return (2008) - mine was less and I’m definitely in the middle class.
Line 43 of the 1040 is labeled Taxable Income. It is the amount after subtracting the standard deduction (or itemized) and the $3500 per person exemptions. After subtracting $10,900 and $28000 ($3500 X 8) I was below $17k.
OK, where’s the decrease?