While hundreds of thousands of people around the UK were toasting the New Year with a glass of champagne, watching fireworks or having a house party, thousands were taking a rather different approach – by filling in their tax return.

HM Revenue and Customs has revealed a record-breaking 24,546 people submitted their tax return online on New Year’s Eve.

These latest numbers represented a 2.8% rise on one year ago, while more than 11,467 people sent off their Self Assessment tax return on New Year’s Day 2016 itself.

Hundreds of people decided to spend the first hours of 2016 completing their Self Assessment, with more than 600 people submitting their tax return between midnight and 10am on New Year’s Day.

The data also showed that the number of people completing their tax return on Christmas Day broke records, with 2,044 customers submitting their tax return – an increase of 13% on 25 December 2014.

On Boxing Day, 5,402 customers ignored the temptation of the sales and instead chose to find their inner peace by completing their Self Assessment online.

Ruth Owen, director general of personal tax, HMRC, said: “As we all enjoy the festive season it’s easy to see how completing your tax return can be forgotten, but the 31 January deadline will be here quicker than we think.

“Our advice is don’t leave it until it’s too late. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time and remember our online service is available with helpful advice and handy tips any time of the year, whether that’s on Christmas Day, or even New Year’s Eve.”

The deadline for sending 2014-15 tax returns to HMRC, and paying any tax owed, is 31 January 2016.