In the absence of specific provisions to the contrary, all fees and charges for licenses or permits shall be paid in advance at the time application therefor is made to the clerk. When an applicant has not engaged in the business until after the expiration of more than six (6) months of the current year the license fee shall be in the sum of one-half (1/2) of the fee specified for the entire year. All license fees shall be deposited to the general fund. (1960 Code)