The influence of sulfate on the selective catalytic reduction of $NO_x$ on the Ag/$Al_2O_3$ catalyst was studied when $CH_4$ was used as a reducing agent. Various preparation methods influenced differently on the $deNO_x$ activity. Among the methods, cogelation precipitation gave best activity. When sulfates were formed on the surfaces of samples prepared by impregnated and deposition precipitation, $deNO_x$ activity was enhanced as long as suitable forming condition is satisfied. The major sulfate formed in Ag/$Al_2O_3$ catalyst was the aluminum sulfate and it seems that this sulfate acted as a promoter. When Mg was added to the Ag/$Al_2O_3$ catalyst it promoted $deNO_x$ activity at high temperature. Intentionally added sulfate also enhanced $deNO_x$ activity, when their amount was confined less than 3 wt%.