$BaTiO_3$/epoxy composites have been widely investigated as promising materials for embedded capacitors in printed circuit boards. It is generally known that the dielectric constant (K) of the $BaTiO_3$/epoxy composites increases with improvement of the dispersion of $BaTiO_3$ particles in the epoxy matrix that comes from adding surfactant. The influences of surfactant addition on the dielectric properties of the $BaTiO_3$/epoxy composites are reported in the present study. The dielectric constant of the $BaTiO_3$/epoxy composites is not significantly affected by the surfactant addition. However, the temperature coefficient of capacitance increases and the peel strength decreases as the amount of added surfactant increases. The influences of surfactant addition on the dielectric properties of the neat epoxy are also very similar to those of the $BaTiO_3$/epoxy composites. The residual surfactant in the $BaTiO_3$/epoxy composites affects the temperature coefficient of capacitance and the peel strength of the epoxy matrix, which in turn affects the temperature coefficient of capacitance and the peel strength of the $BaTiO_3$/epoxy composites.