At least 2,000 Manx tax-payers left handing in their tax returns until the very last minute.

Large numbers of forms were delivered to the Income Tax office in Douglas over the weekend, probably because the deadline fell on a Saturday, which hasn't happened for many years.

The last-minute rush came despite extended opening hours last Thursday and Friday and a plea to the public to prevent long queues outside the office as the deadline approached.

This year the public has been able to post returns in a letter box at the main entrance without entering the office itself.

The numbers facing a fine for late returns will be released next week.