Tantalum carbide crystallites which is to be used for $H_2$ fuel cell has been synthesized via a temperature-programmed reduction of $Ta_2O_5$ with pure $CH_4$. The resultant Ta carbide crystallites prepared using two different heating rates and space velocity exhibit the different surface areas. The $O_2$ uptake has a linear relation with surface area, corresponding to an oxygen capacity of $1.36{ imes}10^{13};O;cm^{-2}$. Tantalum carbide crystallites are very active for hydrogen production form ammonia decomposition reaction. Tantalum carbides are as much as two orders of magnitude more active than Pt/C catalyst (Engelhard). The highest activity has been observed at a ratio of $C_1/Ta^{{delta}+}=0.85$, suggesting the presence of electron transfer between metals and carbon in metal carbides.