A method for making a supported tantalum oxide catalyst precursor or catalyst with controlled Ta distribution and the resulting supported Ta catalyst. In an embodiment, the method comprises selecting a Ta-precursor with appropriate reactivity with the surface hydroxyls of the solid oxide support material to give a desired Ta distribution in the catalyst precursor or catalyst. In an embodiment the method comprises controlling the number of surface hydroxyls available on the support material to react with the Ta-precursor by thermal methods, such as calcination, to achieve the desired Ta distribution.