A record 5.8m taxpayers completed their self-assessment tax returns online - meaning that almost two-thirds of those in the self-assessment bracket now use this method.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has reported that the number of taxpayers using the online facility has increased by 53% from last year.

"I am delighted that more and more people are recognising the benefits of filing their tax return online," said Stephen Timms, the financial secretary to the Treasury.

"Online returns make it easier and quicker to calculate how much tax you owe and you can pay online too."

More than 9.5 million taxpayers are in the self-assessment system, and the deadline for applications was Saturday 31 January. HMRC is waiving the £100 fine for those who submitted their tax return on Sunday February 1st, but all subsequent applications will face the fine.