A record number of IT contractors and other self-employed workers have submitted their self-assessment tax returns online this year, new figures show.

More than six million people submitted the digital document before the January 31st deadline, up 12 per cent from last year's 5.8 million.

A total of 384,638 were submitted on January 29th, suggesting that a large number of these were left to the last minute.

Stephen Timms, financial secretary to the Treasury, has highlighted the benefits of completing tax returns online.

"It's easier, quicker and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) processes your return faster, so any money you're owed is repaid more quickly," he stated.

Mr Timms called for IT contractors to make the switch to paying online and to join those who already perform the task this way.

Last month, HMRC won the right in the High Court to act retrospectively on offshore taxes placed overseas by Isle of Man-based Montpelier Tax Consultants, despite the cost this can have to IT contractors, highlighting the importance of consumers choosing reputable tax solutions.